Although defensive end Ethan Johnson, who sprained his ankle in the first quarter of Saturday night's win over Purdue and did not return, will remain in a walking boot until Thursday, coach Brian Kelly remains hopeful he can play against Air Force on Saturday.

"When you immobilize for 48, you're hoping for great results," Kelly said. "We've been very aggressive in the treatment, but we'll have to really see on Thursday. 

"He'll be involved in all of our drills, our walk-throughs. He's going to be an inside guy for us, so he's just got to be physical at the point of attack. It's not like he's going to have a lot of different things going on. We hope he'll be able to answer the bell."

Notre Dame having a bye week after Air Force, which means if Johnson can't go against Air Force he would have more time to recuperate before a Oct. 22 showdown with USC.