Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire has surgery on broken ankle, eyes spring return

Bob Hille
Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire has surgery on broken ankle, eyes spring return image

Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire underwent surgery on his broken right ankle Sunday and is hoping to be recovered in time for spring practice, Irish Illustrated reported.

The junior suffered the injury in Saturday's victory at Virginia.

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Redshirt freshman DeShone Kizer stepped in after Zaire's injury, throwing the winning touchdown pass, and will now guide the No. 8 Irish. He was 8 of 12 passing for 92 yards and two touchdowns Saturday.

“Teams have to overcome injuries,” coach Brian Kelly said Saturday. “It is unfortunate, but it is what it is. We will find a way to put it together. We’ve said we can win games with (Kizer), but we want to win a championship with him; elevate to the next level.”

Notre Dame hosts Georgia Tech on Saturday.