Notre Dame defensive end Josh Burnham played only a minor role in the Sept. 13 loss to Texas A&M, but coach Marcus Freeman said there was a clear explanation.
“He’s just been going through some of the normal strains and injuries that you get during fall camp,” Freeman told reporters. “He wasn’t practicing as much as we would like to say, ‘You’re going to play 40 plays,’ but we’re very confident in Josh.”
Burnham, a fourth-year junior, recorded two tackles in 25 defensive snaps in the opener against Miami. Against Texas A&M, however, his workload dropped significantly to only three defensive snaps.
This is not the first time injury has limited his availability. Last season, a left ankle sprain suffered in Week 2 held him to four defensive snaps across a three-game stretch.
Prior to facing the Aggies, Burnham had averaged 34 snaps over his previous 12 appearances. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound native of Traverse City, Michigan, had two sacks in the College Football Playoff championship defeat to Ohio State.
He also entered his name into the team captain conversation in August.
“Josh has been available every week,” Freeman said with Purdue up next on Saturday. “When he’s 100% he is an extremely good football player that can help you in the run and the pass game. His numbers and reps will continue to progress as he hopefully gets back to 100% or as close to 100% as he can be.”
Notre Dame’s defense has managed just one sack through two games, coming from Boubacar Traore in the fourth quarter against Miami’s Carson Beck.
Freeman also provided updates on other injuries. Alabama graduate transfer cornerback DeVonta Smith, who aggravated an ankle issue in warmups last week, practiced Tuesday and Wednesday. His status for Purdue remains undetermined.
With Smith sidelined against Texas A&M, sophomore nickelback Karson Hobbs logged 56 snaps. To address depth, Christian Gray, Ben Minich and freshman Dallas Golden have received practice time at the position.
The Irish are also weighing their options at kicker. Starter Noah Burnette is working through a hip problem, with Marcello Diomede and Erik Schmidt in competition as well.
Safety Adon Shuler will miss the first half against Purdue after a targeting ejection last week. Jalen Stroman, Tae Johnson and Luke Talich are expected to handle duties in the secondary.