Notre Dame Offensive Line Coach Joe Rudolph Faces Challenges After Injuries

Rudolph is certainly earning his paycheck in this year of offensive line chaos

Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph speaks with redshirt freshman guard Billy Schrauth (74) during drills Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Notre Dame spring football practice in South Bend. Nd Fb Practice 03252023 / Greg Swiercz / USA TODAY NETWORK

Notre Dame Football Offensive Line: Getting Past the Injuries

Injury bug continues to plague Irish offensive line

Entering 2024, Notre Dame was in a tough position having to replace both of its starting tackles, Joe Alt and Blake Fisher who left South Bend early for the NFL draft.

This would be a big hit to any offensive line but became even more acute when Charles Jagusah, slated to man one of the vacant tackle positions went down for the year in fall camp.

From there, Notre Dame had to adjust yet again. When the dust had settled, freshman Anthonie Knapp replaced Jagusah at tackle and another young and completely inexperienced player, Sam Pendelton won the left guard role.

Third-year right guard Billy Schrauth, meanwhile, could return in a few weeks for Notre Dame football after suffering an injury to his right ankle. https://t.co/SyWpcLc4ME

— South Bend Tribune (@SBTribune) September 16, 2024

After the Purdue game, the lineup will be altered yet again

As if there wasn't enough drama to sort through getting the starting lineup squared away in fall camp, more reconfiguration must occur now that Ashton Craig is lost for the season and Billy Shrauth will miss extended time due to leg injuries suffered against Purdue.

Fortunately for Notre Dame and Joe Rudolph, the Irish have players they can turn to like Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan that have playing experience and will not be overwhelmed by the moment.

While this provides some consolation, make no mistake about it, Notre Dame is not where they wanted to be at offensive line in Freeman's third year, but the Irish are playing the cards they've been dealt as best they can.

Notre Dame Football: Irish Discover Offensive Identity in Win Over Purdue

Notre Dame Football: Irish Lose Key Lineman to Injury vs. Purdue

For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.