The last missing piece of No. 9 Notre Dame’s offense expected back this season will return this week and in the nick of time for the Irish (4-1). Junior running back Jafar Armstrong did not make it through the first series of the season opener before tearing his abdomen, meaning the dynamic running back never got a chance to enjoy an offense once expected to feature him.
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly would not outright commit to playing Armstrong this week, but Saturday has long been the targeted date for his return and Armstrong looked good enough in practice last week to warrant dressing against Bowling Green, usually the last step — a bit of a mental boost — before actual action.