Nov. 02--If Notre Dame is going to get into the playoffs, it will have to do so without one of its most important defensive players.
Middle linebacker Joe Schmidt will miss the rest of the season because of a fractured ankle he suffered in the third quarter of Notre Dame's 49-39 victory over Navy on Saturday, coach Brian Kelly said.
Schmidt is responsible for helpling the Irish get lined up and making calls on defense. Freshman Nyles Morgan, a graduate of Crete-Monee, will take Schmidt's place in the starting lineup.
"I think everybobdy is going to have to pick up the slack for a guy that did most of the work," Kelly said. "He's a big loss."
Morgan won't have as much on his plate in terms of pre-snap responsibility, Kelly said, given his inexperience in the defense.
Morgan held his own against Navy, though he made a few errors, Kelly said. Kelly said it is safe to assume Schmidt will be back for his fifth year of eligibility while saying linebacker Jarrett Grace (broken leg) will not play this season for Notre Dame.
Kelly added that llinebacker James Onwualu (concussion) could practice this week while tailback Greg Bryant didn't play as recovers from an injured ankle.
