Redshirt junior running back C.J. Prosise is going through Notre Dame's concussion protocol after he landed on his shoulder and hit his head on the ground during Saturday's 42-30 win over Pittsburgh at Heinz Field.
Coach Brian Kelly said Prosise was feeling better Sunday and is hopeful he could return to practice this week, depending on how he progresses through the protocol.
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Kelly said he's not concerned about Prosise's shoulder. A player landed on Prosise when he landed on the ground.
With Prosise out, freshman Josh Adams carried 20 times for 147 yards and took a fly sweep five yards for a touchdown. Kelly said after Saturday's game Prosise suffered some sort of head/neck/shoulder injury, and added Sunday he and his coaching staff weren't immediately sure if Prosise hit his head on the ground after he left the game.
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Prosise has 975 yards and 11 touchdowns on 146 carries this year, and also has 25 receptions -- only four fewer than he had last year as a slot receiver -- for 291 yards and a touchdown. His average of 6.59 yards per carry ranks eighth among players with over 100 carries, and he's gained 10 or more yards on 47 plays this year, the third-highest total in the country behind TCU receiver Josh Doctson and Oregon running back Royce Freeman. He's also one of 16 FBS players who's gained 90 or more yards on a play in 2015.
Even if Prosise is able to return to practice and play Saturday against Wake Forest, Kelly said Adams earned himself a larger load of carries after his impressive showing at Pitt. Adams did not register a rushing attempt against Temple Oct. 31 and averaged a little over four carries per game prior to Notre Dame's win over Pitt.