article: irish star tight end might get time off

[nd1]

Irish star tight end might get time off
Notre Dame might have a different look at tight end when it plays host to Western Michigan (2-3) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

Kyle Rudolph, who had five catches for 38 yards in last weekend’s 23-17 win over Pittsburgh (2-3), is struggling with a hamstring injury, and coach Brian Kelly said a decision to hold out the 6-foot-6, 265-pounder might be made this week.

“We just want to see him get better,” Kelly said during his Sunday teleconference. “If that means we have to shut him down, we will shut him down.”

The Irish (3-3) would turn to Mike Ragone and Tyler Eifert, a former Bishop Dwenger standout, if Rudolph is held out.

Ragone had an 11-yard reception against Pitt but also dropped a pass that would have likely been a first down with 1:52 to play. Eifert has been bothered by a shoulder injury.

“(Ragone hasn’t played a lot and it showed,” Kelly said. “We got to get (Eifert) ready this week. It is one of those things where he’s just got to manage it a little bit better.”

tkrausz@jg.net

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I really think we need to let Rudy take this weekend off. He isn't 100 percent and he was really hurting last weekend. I love having him on the field, but he needs to rest that injury so he can be a big factor again later on. Would rather him be close to 100 percent when we have some tough games, then try to play him at 75 percent against some teams that we can probably beat without him.

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

I dont think Rudy should of played last week....BK has said really good things about Eifert...and get Ragone in there...although Ragone dropped a key pass in the game.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I dont think Rudy should of played last week....BK has said really good things about Eifert...and get Ragone in there...although Ragone dropped a key pass in the game.

I agree with you. Rudy should not have played last week. It was quite apparent he was not 100 percent. He didn't have that burst or extra spring in his step. At some point, we need to get the other TE's some play time this season anyways. I think the next few games could accomplish that and allow Rudy to get some rest and hopefully get over that injury.

 

[lookingdeadred]

Chance for Ragone to show what he can do

Chance for Ragone to show what he can do

Give Rudolph the time off.