Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen says that his turf toe injury is just something that he will have to deal with all season long.

Clausen first suffered the injury to his right foot while being sacked against Michigan State in the Irish's 33-30 win. Last weekend against Purdue, he was taken out in the second quarter but came back to lead the game-winning drive while hobbling down the field.

"It's just a nagging injury," Clausen said. "I don't think I'll be 100 percent healthy until the end of the season or after the season. Next week is going to be big for me just getting my rest and resting my toe as much as I can."

Although Clausen is expect to try and play through the pain, the Fighting Irish will almost certainly have to call on Sophomore back-up Dayne Crist to spell him from time to time. Crist may even have to
lead the Notre Dame offenses for long stretches throughout a game.

"It's kind of been my theme all year, trying to stay ready at a moment's notice," Crist said. "When a guy gets banged up a little bit, that kind of reaffirms that."

The sophomore didn't play at all last season, but leading up to the game at Purdue, head coach Charlie Weis told him the plan was to sit Clausen as much as possible.

On the first play of the second quarter, Crist was called to action. He was put in to run a zone-read option that gave the Irish a 15-yard first down.

"I wouldn't say that's my forte in any regard," he said. "I'm definitely a quarterback first. But it's flattering to think I can do some things like that. I'm just happy to help the team any way I can."

And that he did, Crist ended up going 5 of 10 for 45 yards passing and he tacked on another 16 yards on his 4 rushing attempts.