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By my count I've got Notre Dame with 60 available players this weekend. That includes former walk-ons who have been awarded scholarships but not players who are currently taking a redshirt. Now think about that number when nearly a dozen linemen will never play.
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Notes
Starting running back C.J. Prosise was listed on the weekly depth chart but Brian Kelly said he was doubtful for Stanford during his Tuesday presser. As we know that's Kelly speak for not playing. Let's hope Prosise can get health for the post-season and his high ankle sprain isn't so bad he's limping off the field after a couple carries in a month's time.
We may have seen the last of KeiVarae Russell in a Notre Dame uniform. Kelly mentioned Russell could be back for the National Championship Game--that'd be 51 days post-injury--but first the Irish need to get that far and pray their starting corner heals extremely fast.
The trio of Butler, Coleman, and Watkins are expected to play in Russell's place with Butler the favorite to play most of the snaps. I'd imagine Butler will start and if he plays decent enough he'll stay on the field.
The return of nose guard Daniel Cage is a sight for sore eyes and much needed against this Stanford offense. That'll move strong-side defensive end Isaac Rochell back out to the edge and take Andrew Trumbetti out of the starting lineup.
The situation at linebacker may be worth monitoring without James Onwualu. Sophomore Greer Martini picked up the start last week and played 34 snaps as the Irish utilized a nickel package without him on the field occasionally. Jarrett Grace did see a few snaps at SAM too and he might play a little more this weekend against run-heavy Stanford.