Durham Smythe Injury: Updates on Notre Dame TE After Shoulder, Knee Surgeries

Notre Dame tight end Durham Smythe is going to miss the rest of the 2015 season after undergoing surgery on his right knee and shoulder Tuesday morning. 

Continue for updates.

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Smythe Expected Back for Spring Practice

Tuesday, Sept. 15

Michael Bertsch, Notre Dame's director of football media relations, confirmed Smythe suffered a torn MCL during the Fighting Irish's victory over Virginia on Saturday. While in to repair the damage to the knee, he also had a procedure on his right shoulder but should return for spring camp.

The junior had two catches for 13 yards and a touchdown in the team's 2-0 start. Pete Sampson of Scout noted head coach Brian Kelly was hoping to get the tight ends more involved moving forward.

"I think it's really how the game has gone thus far and how we're being defended in particular," Kelly said. "I think a lot of the catches have happened on the perimeter, and so they haven't gotten as many opportunities. But I think you'll see that it will balance itself off as the season kind of progresses."

Now those plans will have to be carried out without the Irish's top option at the position. Tyler Luatua and Nic Weishar are the players with the best opportunity to fill the void in the starting lineup. Neither one has a catch so far this season.

Losing Smythe the same week as quarterback Malik Zaire, who's also out for the rest of the campaign due to an ankle injury, is a major setback for the Notre Dame offense. DeShone Kizer will take over under center.

There won't be much time for the new-look offense to settle in, either. The Irish face a stiff test against No. 14 Georgia Tech this Saturday. The Yellow Jackets are averaging 67 points per game and will likely be looking to turn this week's game into a shootout, given Notre Dame's question marks.

The only silver lining for Smythe is the fact he's expected back for spring ball. Oftentimes, significant knee injuries can carry much longer timetables.