Matty Augustine injury shakes up Notre Dame’s offensive line battle as fall camp rolls on

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame returned to full pads Wednesday for its sixth full practice of camp. The session opened with a Michael Jordan hype video during warmups before the Irish transitioned into tempo work and 11-on-11 periods.

Quarterback CJ Carr continued to lead the first-team offense, but there was a change behind him. Freshman Noah Grubbs took the next set of reps with Blake Hebert absent because of personal matters.

There was movement at wide receiver during the tempo periods as well. Jerome Bettis Jr. opened the period with the first-team offense before Matt Jeffrey rotated in and also received reps with Carr. The changing combinations offered another glimpse at a receiver competition that remains fluid as Notre Dame works through camp.

The biggest news of the day came on the injury front. Offensive guard Matty Augustine suffered a right foot injury, while cornerback Chaz Smith injured his right wrist. Both injuries will require surgery, though Notre Dame expects both players to return at some point before season.

Augustine’s injury could have the larger impact on the depth chart. He had been competing for playing time at right guard, where Sullivan Absher has also been in the mix. Now with Augustine sidelined, Joe Otting could see an increased opportunity.

Ashton Craig is also becoming another important piece to watch as Notre Dame sorts through its offensive line combinations. After working his way back from injury, Craig has been cleared and is continuing to ramp up toward full practice speed. Rudolph said Craig remains an option at right tackle, while Craig said Wednesday, he feels he is back to 100 percent.

“Our defense is one of the best in the country,” Craig said. “When we go against those guys every day, I mean, it’s just a matter of time before we reach our full potential.”

With practices continuing and the Irish moving closer to the season, the competition for snaps is beginning to sharpen — and injuries are already forcing Notre Dame to test its depth across the roster.