Kapron Lewis-Moore Injury: Updates on Notre Dame DE's Leg

The last thing Notre Dame needed while getting embarrassed in the first half of the national championship game was an injury. 

Well, nothing appears to be going right for the Fighting Irish on this night, as just prior to the end of the first half defensive end and defensive captain Kapron Lewis-Moore was seen limping off the field. 

UPDATE: Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 2:15 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

It will be a long year for Kapron Lewis-Moore as he will go through the rehabilitation process that comes after surgery to repair an ACL injury.

The Chicago Tribune's Brian Hamilton reported, "Lewis-Moore suffered an ACL injury late in the first half of a 42-14 loss to Alabama, with surgery imminent, multiple sources told the Tribune on Tuesday."

This was a disappointing end to the senior defensive end's career at Notre Dame, and it is doubtful he will be able to participate in many of the activities in the NFL draft process due to the injury.  

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Monday, Jan. 7 at 10:45 p.m. ET by Austin Green

Brian Kelly reportedly said Kapron Lewis-Moore will not return tonight, according Brian Hardin, Director of Football Media Relations at Notre Dame.

"

.@ndfootball @coachbriankelly told ESPN sideline announcer @heatherespn that DE Kapron Lewis-Moore will not return tonight.

— Brian Hardin (@NDHardin) January 8, 2013"

This is a major loss for the Irish, who are currently trailing Alabama 35-0 with 5:38 left in the third quarter.

---End of Update---

The Chicago Tribune's Brian Hamilton tweeted out the news. 

"

#NotreDame DE Kapron Lewis-Moore up but needs help from trainers to get off the field.

— Brian Hamilton (@ChiTribHamilton) January 8, 2013"

This is a big loss for the Fighting Irish, who trail 28-0 at the half. They have been getting manhandled by Alabama's offensive line, and losing Lewis-Moore's muscle and explosiveness in the trenches is not going to help.

However, let's be real here: It's not like it was helping any to have him in there. The Irish are getting beat in every phase of the game, and they have done absolutely nothing to indicate that a comeback should even be considered.

The bigger impact here will be for Lewis-Moore's career. The 6'4", 306-pound senior has to turn his attention to getting ready for the NFL draft.

Rotoworld's draft writer Josh Norris points out why even a minor injury could hurt Moore's ability to boost his draft stock. 

"

Hate that for KLM. His draft process was starting next week at the Shrine.

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 8, 2013"

Moore has the size to make it in the NFL, but his lack of elite explosion will likely leave him relegated to a late-round selection, and any serious injury would probably be a fatal blow to his draft status. 

He already has suffered a torn MCL ligament during his college career.