Freeman: Notre Dame safety Johnson still a couple of weeks away

Marcus Freeman said Brauntae Johnson remains in rehab from a foot injury, while Luke Talich's status awaits MRI results after a wrist/hand injury.

Notre Dame could be short-handed at safety against Purdue. Head coach Marcus Freeman told reporters Monday that Brauntae Johnson remains roughly two weeks from a full return as he recovers from a left foot injury.

Johnson was hurt in the first half of Notre Dame's Sept. 6 win over Wisconsin. "He still has another couple weeks to get back to where he can go full," Freeman said, adding that the junior is progressing as anticipated in his rehabilitation.

The depth concern grew when Luke Talich injured his left wrist and hand late in Saturday's victory over Michigan State. Talich had seen increased playing time with Johnson sidelined and recorded an interception and a sack against the Spartans.

Freeman said MRI results for Talich were expected later Monday, and it remained unclear whether the injury could be managed with tape or a cast.