Notre Dame Fighting Irish

How will Notre Dame replace KeiVarae Russell at cornerback?

Published Nov. 24, 2015 5:31 p.m. ET

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The latest long-term injury to hit Notre Dame is at cornerback, where KeiVarae Russell suffered a broken bone in his leg Saturday in the Fighting Irish's win over Boston College. 

On Tuesday, coach Brian Kelly mentioned three players who could replace him opposite starter Cole Luke: Junior Devin Butler, sophomore Nick Watkins and freshman Nick Coleman. 

"Devin Butler started against Stanford last year, so Devin's got some starting experience and has played a lot," Kelly said. "But we'd like to see Nick Watkins. We'd like to see Coleman. We'd like to see all three of them in the game and contribute." 

Butler has eight tackles and one pass breakup this season while Watkins and Coleman have each made five stops. Coleman also has two pass breakups. 

"We think all of them can contribute and not necessarily have to rely on one guy," Kelly said. "We think all three of them as a combination might be the best way to go." 

Kelly said Russell had a rod and some screws inserted into his broken leg via surgery Monday and is hoping to be back on the field in six weeks. 

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