- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Notre Dame's Drayk Bowen Returns to Practice After Hip Surgery
The senior linebacker has been rehabbing since undergoing an offseason operation.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:24pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Notre Dame Fighting Irish senior linebacker Drayk Bowen, who led the team in tackles last season, has returned to practice after undergoing offseason hip surgery. While his participation is still limited, his return to the field in pads is seen as a major step forward in his recovery.
Why it matters
Bowen is a key defensive leader for Notre Dame, and his return to the field is crucial for the Fighting Irish as they prepare for the upcoming season. His recovery from the torn labrum injury that required surgery will be closely watched by the Notre Dame fanbase.
The details
Bowen suffered a torn labrum last season but played through the injury until he was able to undergo reparative surgery in January. He has been rehabbing the hip and missed Notre Dame's spring practice sessions, but was recently spotted back on the field in pads, though his participation was still limited to warm-up drills.
- Bowen underwent hip surgery in January 2026.
- He returned to practice in pads in April 2026, several months after the operation.
The players
Drayk Bowen
A senior linebacker for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who led the team in tackles last season before undergoing offseason hip surgery.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The college football team that Drayk Bowen plays for, located in South Bend, Indiana.
What they’re saying
“It was pretty painful, but if I could manage it, they were going to let me play. I'm feeling great... It's been a really good recovery; making sure I get however long I need.”
— Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame Linebacker
What’s next
Bowen will continue to work his way back to full participation in practice as he recovers from the hip surgery. The Notre Dame coaching staff will closely monitor his progress and determine when he is ready to return to game action.
The takeaway
Drayk Bowen's return to the practice field, even in a limited capacity, is a positive sign for the Notre Dame defense as they prepare for the upcoming season. The senior linebacker's leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial for the Fighting Irish, and his recovery from the offseason surgery will be a key storyline to follow.
