Oct. 28, 1999
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Despite having an off week to heal and rest, the Irish enter their matchup with some plaguing injuries.
Free safety Justin Smith injured himself in the warm-ups prior to the Southern Cal game. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee is out of this weekend’s game. Also, cornerback Albert Poree will sit out the game with a knee sprain.
“Obviously, Justin Smith is out with the knee,” Irish head coach Bob Davie said. “Mike McNair will be out the rest of the season. We are going to cast his foot, get all the weight off of it, take that approach with it, just see if we can get that thing settled down.”
McNair has yet to see any substantial playing time in his sophomore campaign because of a sprained right. He injured his arch in the Kansas game. Junior fullback Jason Murray is out as well. He underwent shoulder surgery in the middle of September.
Senior Raki Nelson is also doubtful for this week. Despite not playing in the last two games, Nelson still leads the team in receiving with 21 catches for 346 yards. Prior to the injury, he averaged 69 yards per game in receiving.
“Raki Nelson is doing better,” Davie said. “May be back in a limited role for Tennessee, but he is doing better.”
There are several players listed are questionable for the contest against Navy.
“We have got some injuries like everyone, Sean Mahan, he is doing a little bit better, but he has an ankle — I am not sure — I am not sure if he will be able to play,” Davie said.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Davie revealed that backup kicker Jim Sanson had taken all the kicks in practice. The kicking game has been a major concern for the Irish for most of this season. Sanson lost his job as the starting kicker in the game against Arizona State.
“David Miller has not kicked since the Southern Cal game, he has a hip flexor,” Davie said. “Jim Sanson done all the kicking in practice. David may be able to kick some today. “
Others that are listed as questionable include Jason Ching who has a knee injury. Brad Williams has a rib injury that is plaguing him.
“He just can’t seem to shake it,” Davie said about Williams’ injury. “It is something that has bothered him. We have X-rayed it. It is not cracked. But it is causing him a lot of discomfort.”
Also considered is junior defensive tackle Andy Wisne who sprained his shoulder against Arizona State.
“So we have got some injuries, but everybody else has some injuries as well,” Davie said. Navy is no stranger to injuries. The Midshipmen will start their second-string quarterback because starter Brian Broadwater is out for the season with a broken clavicle. Sophomore Brian Madden will make the start at quarterback.
Navy coach Charlie Weatherbie is in the midst of recovering from surgery. The coach underwent surgery to remove kidney stones. Currently, assistant head coaches Gene McKeehan and Sammy Steinmark have taken over his responsibilities.