Two one-time starters for No. 8 Notre Dame — sophomore running back Jafar Armstrong and senior cornerback Shaun Crawford — will return from injuries to play Saturday when the visiting Fighting Irish face No. 19 Michigan, coach Brian Kelly said on his Thursday night radio show.
Armstrong sustained an abdominal injury in the season-opening game on Sept. 2 against the Louisville Cardinals, and required surgery. Crawford sustained a dislocated elbow against Virginia on Sept. 28.
Regarding the running attack with Armstrong, who gained 383 yards and rushed for seven touchdowns in 10 games last season but saw Tony Jones Jr. (557 yards, 80 carries, four touchdowns) become the starter in his absence, Kelly said, “Versatility, the ability to play the running back position but also keeping Tony Jones Jr. on the field as well.
“To have two running backs on the field, that gives us another dimension. [Armstrong is] an explosive runner, he’s physical, he can catch the football and another complementary piece to our offense is one of the things we’re looking for to balance the offense in terms of run and pass.”
Crawford has been previously hampered by injuries but in his first four games this season, made 12 tackles and had an interception.
“I think he’ll be very effective [against Michigan],” Kelly said. “… He was put into some man coverage situations and did quite well.”