updated 5:46 p.m. ET Aug. 22, 2008

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame tight end Mike Ragone, expected to vie for the starting position, will miss the season after undergoing surgery Friday for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Ragone, a sophomore, who caught one pass last season, injured his knee while running routes this summer, coach Charlie Weis said. Ragone planned to try to play with the injury, but the condition worsened so he decided Thursday to have surgery.

Weis said Ragone will spend the 2008 season rehabbing to be ready for 2009.

Notre Dame’s other possible starters at tight end include, junior Will Yeatman, who started three games last season and had six catches for 37 yards, and highly rated freshman Kyle Rudolph.

MORE FROM NOTRE DAME CENTRAL

Notre Dame Central Section Front

Hansen: ND at crossroads with Weis Weis keeps working awaiting word on his fate No. 5 Trojans whip Irish; Weis pressure mounts Walters: Once prominent, Notre Dame is now pitied Conflicting reports on size of Weis' contract buyout Hansen: Questions swirl around the Irish Hansen: Weis’ recruiting could save his job Wieneke: Ways the Irish can remain strong recruiters Walters: After Syracuse debacle, is Weis fit to coach ND? Syracuse rallies to demoralize Notre Dame Notre Dame Central Section Front   Add Notre Dame Central headlines to your news reader: