Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly gives injury update on Kyle Hamilton before Virginia game

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is hoping to have starting safety Kyle Hamilton back in the lineup when the Fighting Irish face Virginia on Saturday.

Hamilton hasn’t played since suffering an injury vs. USC on Oct. 23. His status is still unknown going into this week vs. the Cavaliers.

Kelly said at his weekly press conference on Monday that a decision has not yet been made.

Kelly still not sure what the status of Kyle Hamilton is. They are going to talk to all the important parties today and have a clear picture by the end of the day. Says MRI is back but additional doctors and family going to way in on the process as well.

— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) November 8, 2021

It’s possible Hamilton is weighing the risks of returning back from injury too soon. As of now, scouts project him to be a top 10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Kelly did add that Hamilton’s practice reps this week won’t necessarily impact his ability to play on Saturday.

Asked Brian Kelly about Kyle Hamilton's necessary practice time to ready to play against Virginia now that he’s missed multiple games.

“If he’s cleared Saturday, he could play Saturday."

— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) November 8, 2021

So far this season, Hamilton has racked up 34 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and 4 pass deflections. He was on pace to be a first team All-American safety before going out with the injury.

Virginia may also be limited this week. Starting quarterback Brennan Armstrong is questionable after suffering an injury to his ribs in Virginia’s loss to BYU back in Week 9. The Cavaliers were idle in Week 10, and coach Bronco Mendenhall didn’t offer any update on Armstrong’s status at his weekly press conference on Monday.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.