Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire out for season with ankle injury

Notre Dame’s starting quarterback injured his right ankle in the second half against Virginia.

Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire left Saturday’s game against Virginia and will miss the rest of the season with a fractured ankle, coach Brian Kelly said after the game.

Late in the third quarter, Zaire was injured at the end of a three-yard run when a defender fell on his right leg and trapped his ankle underneath.

Malik Zaire being helped off the field. Putting no weight on his right foot. Meanwhile, ND scores a TD but Zaire a huge concern. #NDvsUVA

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 12, 2015

Zaire was helped off the field, and then carted off to the locker room for x-rays, according to Dr. Jerry Punch.

Before leaving, Zaire completed seven of 18 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. Notre Dame won 34–27 on a late touchdown pass from backup quarterback DeShone Kizer.

Zaire adds to an injury-plagued start to the season for the Fighting Irish. Defensive tackle Jarron Jones, cornerback Shaun Crawford and running back Tarean Folston all previously suffered season-ending injuries.

– Kenny Ducey