Malik Zaire Injury Update: Notre Dame QB out for Season with Fractured Ankle

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire suffered a fractured ankle in the third quarter of the team's 34-27 win over Virginia on Saturday.

Continue for updates.

---

Injured Ankle Puts Zaire Out for Year

Saturday, September 12

Pete Sampson of Irish Illustrated reported Zaire's status, which will lead Notre Dame to lean on DeShone Kizer to run its offense.   

Fox Sports' Stewart Mandel alluded to how Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has dealt with a similar situation before:

Kizer was thrust into duty when Zaire went down late in the third quarter, and the backup didn't provide an immediate spark. He did lead a game-winning drive and tossed a 39-yard touchdown strike to Will Fuller with 12 seconds left to secure the victory.

Based on how well Kizer performed in crunch time, it stands to reason he can get the job done under center. The quality of competition won't do him any favors, though, as the Irish return to South Bend, Indiana, next week to take on Georgia Tech.

The concept seems self-explanatory to a degree, but it will be key for Kizer to protect the football. Per Fighting Irish assistant PR representative Leigh Torbin, Notre Dame is a perfect 18-0 under Kelly when it doesn't commit a turnover.