Notre Dame TE suffers season-ending injury ahead of Orange Bowl vs. Penn State

Notre Dame downed the Georgia Bulldogs to advance to the College Football Playoff Semifinal round last Thursday, but the Fighting Irish offense suffered a setback that will impact the upcoming Orange Bowl matchup against Penn State football.

On Saturday, Irish head coach Marcus Freeman announced that sophomore tight end Cooper Flanagan suffered a season-ending foot injury in last week’s Sugar Bowl.

“The only injury update from the game is that Cooper Flanagan will be out for the remainder of the CFP with a foot injury,” Freeman stated. “But other than that, which is – again – you miss Coop, and we love him and what he brings to this team. But other than that, everybody else was clean. It was a pretty clean game in terms of injuries.”

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Flanagan appeared in 13 games for Notre Dame this fall, making five starts. Primarily used as a blocker, he has four receptions for 55 yards this season. However, his two touchdown catches are tied for third-most on the team.

The sophomore played 262 snaps in 2024, according to Kyle Kelly of Blue & Gold.

James Franklin gives injury update on Penn State star Abdul Carter

© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Meanwhile in Happy Valley, James Franklin had his own injury update on Saturday regarding star edge rusher Abdul Carter. Things appear to be heading in the right direction for Carter, who exited the Fiesta Bowl in the first half with an apparent left arm injury.

However, it’s still too soon to know for certain if Carter will suit up for Penn State football in South Beach.

“He’s doing great,” Franklin said. “His attitude is great. His mentality has been really good. We’ll see. I think he’s taking the right approach and mentality. It’s going to come down to how he feels and how much practice he’s able to get during the week.

“At this point, I don’t think there’s anything that is stopping him from playing. But it’s just going to come down to how is he able to play? And, we’ll see.

“But his mentality is great. He’s got a big smile on his face. I think he’s excited about this week. But it’s too early to say at this stage.”

Penn State football and Notre Dame will battle in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

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