Nov. 11--Brian Kelly said Tuesday he knew of no new news regarding running back C.J. Prosise's head, neck and shoulder injuries.
He expects to learn Wednesday whether Prosise will be cleared to play this weekend against Wake Forest. Kelly said Sunday he was pretty confident Prosise would be available.
Prosise left late in the first quarter of the Irish's 42-30 victory at Pittsburgh on Saturday and continued to undergo concussion protocol -- Tuesday with an activity test, to be followed Wednesday by another test.
"Wednesday would probably be the deadline," Kelly said. "Each day there is a different stage and step he has to go through."
While he was at it, Kelly addressed a few more injuries, not the least of which was Jarron Jones'. The defensive tackle tore his right MCL during camp in August. Kelly said he could return in time to play in the postseason.
Jones, who was second on the team with 7 1/2 tackles for loss last year and had 40 tackles, was expected to miss the entire season. He's been building back strength in his hamstring and quads.
Kelly also said quarterback Malik Zaire continues to recover from a broken right ankle he suffered during the team's second game, against Virginia. Zaire will have a protective boot removed in the next couple of weeks and has been throwing in a limited capacity during practice.
"He's active to the point where he's out there moving around ... getting his arm in shape," Kelly said. But in no shape or fashion is he going to be able to compete."
In lieu of an emergency, neither will backup safety Avery Sebastian, a transfer from Cal who hasn't played since he fractured bone in his right foot in the opener against Texas. Kelly said he likely will try to preserve another year of eligibility for Sebastian, who was cleared for practice activity this week.
Lastly, offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey is expected to play against Wake Forest after spraining his left ankle last weekend.
pskrbina@tribpub.com
