Malik Zaire Injury: Updates on Notre Dame QB's Ankle and Return

Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire suffered a fractured ankle against Virginia, which required surgery that ended his season.

Continue for updates.

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Zaire Undergoes Surgery, To Begin Rehab in a "Couple of Weeks."

Sunday, Sept. 13

Irish Sports Daily passed along comments from head coach Brian Kelly, who said Zaire will begin the rehab process when the swelling goes down.

Brett McMurphy of ESPN noted Zaire's status when he got hurt, saying he was unable to put weight on his injured ankle as he left the field. 

This is a serious blow for the Fighting Irish. He started the Music City Bowl last season and led Notre Dame to a surprising 31-28 victory over LSU behind 12-of-15 passing for 96 yards, 96 rushing yards and two total touchdowns.

That ability to make plays with his arm and legs had Notre Dame fans thinking College Football Playoff entering the 2015 season. His speed alone put pressure on opposing defenses, and he proved capable of beating secondaries with his arm during that bowl win.

Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports gave added context as to what Zaire's absence will mean:

Alas, the Fighting Irish will turn to DeShone Kizer, who led the team to a dramatic win over the Cavaliers in Zaire's absence. 

Kizer has the size at 6’5” and the athleticism to make plays with his legs and escape pressure in the pocket, and he boasts a strong arm when looking downfield. What’s more, Notre Dame has a loaded offensive line and a set of skill players who should take the pressure off of the backup.

C.J. Prosise figures to carry the load at running back, and few teams in the country can match the depth at wide receiver. Will Fuller tallied 1,094 receiving yards in 2014, and Corey Robinson, Chris Brown and Amir Carlisle are veteran playmakers who should give Kizer options if Fuller is covered.

Notre Dame has a number of impressive players on its offense, and Kizer boasts solid upside. But this is a team that had national championship aspirations at the start of the year largely because of Zaire’s potential.

They may stay afloat and finish with a solid record, but it is difficult to envision the Fighting Irish making the College Football Playoff without their starting quarterback.