Notre Dame Injury Watch: Freeman Provides Updates on Key Players

Onye, Reddish, and Greathouse recoveries will shape Irish roster development this spring

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:37am

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Marcus Freeman's latest injury update for Notre Dame did not signal panic, but it did offer an early reminder that how the Irish manage a few key recoveries this spring could shape both roster development now and readiness for fall camp. The updates on Jason Onye, Nick Reddish, and Jaden Greathouse stood out, as each situation affects the team in different ways, though Freeman emphasized the overall health of the team has been positive.

Why it matters

Spring football is a critical time for position battles, roster development, and building chemistry. How Notre Dame handles these key injuries will impact the depth and readiness of the defensive line, secondary, and receiving corps heading into the fall season.

The details

Onye had surgery on a small hand fracture and Freeman is unsure if it will keep him out for the rest of spring, but the team is not overly concerned. Reddish will have shoulder surgery to repair a labrum tear and is expected to be back by fall camp, though missing spring reps can slow a younger player's progress. Greathouse's hamstring recovery is being managed carefully, as the staff knows his explosiveness is vital to the offense when healthy.

  • Onye had surgery yesterday on his right hand.
  • Reddish has surgery scheduled for tomorrow.
  • The goal is to have Greathouse ready for the start of the fall season.

The players

Jason Onye

A defensive lineman who had surgery on a small hand fracture, with uncertainty around how much he'll be able to participate in spring practice.

Nick Reddish

A young defensive back who will have surgery to repair a labrum tear in his shoulder and is expected to be back by fall camp.

Jaden Greathouse

A wide receiver with a history of hamstring injuries, whose recovery is being carefully managed to ensure he's ready for the start of the season.

Marcus Freeman

The head coach of the Notre Dame football team, who provided the injury updates and emphasized the overall health of the team has been positive.

Mike Elston

The defensive line coach, whose reputation and coaching have impressed Freeman.

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What they’re saying

“Jason Onye, he had surgery yesterday on his right hand. He just had a small fracture in his hand, and we put a pin in it. I don't know if that keeps him out for spring, but it's nothing that we're overly concerned about.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

“And then Nick Reddish has surgery tomorrow. He's got a labrum tear in his shoulder, so we got to get that fixed and get him back for fall camp.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

“We just got to continue to be smart with his return to play, and we can't just go from zero to 100, and we all know that, and he knows that. He wants to be out there every play, but we've got to be smart with his progression back.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

“But he is a playmaker. Explosive, smart, tough. He's really, really good.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

What’s next

The key will be managing the recoveries of Onye, Reddish, and Greathouse to ensure they are ready for the start of the fall season, while also allowing other players to develop during spring practice.

The takeaway

Notre Dame is taking a disciplined approach to these key injuries, prioritizing long-term health and readiness over rushing players back this spring. By being cautious, the Irish can maintain depth and chemistry across the roster heading into the 2026 season.