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topicnews · September 7, 2024

Current status of the injured starters of the Purdue football team at Notre Dame

Current status of the injured starters of the Purdue football team at Notre Dame

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  • Nyland Green (cornerback) and CJ Smith (receiver), who were transferred from Georgia, did not play in the 49-0 win at the season opener against Indiana State.
  • Purdue does not play this week before hosting Notre Dame on Sept. 14.
  • Ryan Walters also provided updates on left tackle Corey Stewart, defensive tackle Joe Anderson and receiver Kam Brown.

WEST LAFAYETTE – The Purdue football team’s 49-0 victory over Indiana State offered a glimpse of how competitive a full-strength team can ultimately be against its toughest opponents.

With one such test – Notre Dame – looming, the Boilermakers aren’t sure if two high-profile transfers from Georgia will be available. A week’s rest in between could improve their chances.

Just two weeks ago, coach Ryan Walters expressed cautious optimism about the return of cornerback Nyland Green (foot) and receiver CJ Smith (thigh) for the game against the Fighting Irish on September 14. On Tuesday, however, he said neither of them is currently ready to play.

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This medical clearance, and not the importance of the game, will determine whether either of them plays at Ross-Ade Stadium that day.

“We’re not keeping anybody just to keep them,” Walters said. “But if they’re not (ready), we’re not going to put them on the field. It’s a long season and we don’t want any lingering problems as we try to get guys back quickly.”

Walters confirmed that left tackle Corey Stewart and defensive tackle Joe Anderson – both listed as starters in the season-opening roster – as well as backup receiver Kam Brown are expected to return for the game against Notre Dame.

“They will be ready,” Walters said.

All of this will help Purdue face the first of four preseason top-10 opponents. Notre Dame opened with a 23-13 win at then-20th-ranked Texas A&M.

However, Green and Smith offer an opportunity to showcase their talent even more against their home-state bluebloods. The historic rivals have only played each other once since 2014. The Boilermakers have not won the series since 2007.

Green wore a walking boot on his left foot and used a scooter to get around before last Saturday’s opener. The former top-100 prospect was projected as one of the starting cornerbacks and brought a physical, game-changing presence to early preseason practices.

At full strength, Smith could also start as a slot receiver. His top-end speed could help create coverage gaps in an offense already impacted by big receivers like Jahmal Edrine and tight end Max Klare.

The season-opening overall win, regardless of opponent, only boosted Purdue’s confidence that it can better compete with the top teams this season.

The fact that both Green and Smith are back – and both may be available – increases the chances of an early-season surprise.

Follow IndyStar Purdue Insider Nathan Baird on X at @nwbaird.

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