Notre Dame tailback Greg Bryant, a junior who is projected to be the Irish's backup, reportedly will miss the first four games of the season.
That means Notre Dame would be without him for games against Texas, Virginia, Georgia Tech and Massachusetts. Bryant, who was in the mix to be the Irish's punt returner, would return for the Oct. 3 game at Clemson.
Irishillustrated.com confirmed the report and said Bryant remains enrolled at the school.
Fellow junior Tarean Folston, like Bryant a Florida native, is expected to be the Irish's starting tailback. Folston and Bryant are the only tailbacks on the roster with a college carry, but quarterback Malik Zaire is known for his running ability, and his work on the ground is going to be important for the Irish this season. True freshman tailback Dexter Williams, another Floridian, could end up getting some carries in Bryant's absence.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.