After a promising start to spring football, defensive lineman Jonathan Bonner will need surgery. The rising sophomore will undergo a procedure for a turf toe injury, sidelining him until mid-June.
Last week, Bonner was singled out by head coach Brian Kelly for a string of good practices. He was spotted in a walking boot at practice on Wednesday, Notre Dame’s first since returning from Easter break.
“He has a bad case of turf toe that will require surgery,” Kelly said. “He’ll go up to the Cleveland Clinic and have that done on Tuesday and... we will have him back late June and fully recovered for preseason camp and into the season.”
Kelly compared the surgical procedure to one that Prince Shembo underwent in the spring leading up to his senior season. Shembo missed a large portion of spring practice but came back and had a strong season at the Cat linebacker spot.
Before the injury, Bonner was providing depth behind Isaac Rochell at the strongside defensive end position. One of the Irish’s most explosive defensive linemen, Bonner is a candidate to provide a pass-rushing presence off the edge after sitting out 2014 and saving a year of eligibility.