The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have suspended running back Cierre Wood and defensive end Justin Utupo for the first two games of the regular season, as CSN Chicago reports. Head coach Brian Kelly announced the suspensions on Sunday as the season opener nears.
Wood emerged as a key player for the Fighting Irish last season as a junior, carrying the ball 217 times for 1,102 yards and nine touchdowns. He's expected to be the starting running back for the Irish this season, but Theo Riddick is expected to start the first two games in his place.
According to ESPN Chicago, neither player will travel to Dublin, Ireland, for the team's season opener on Saturday against Navy. They'll both have to wait until the team's third game of the season against Michigan State to finally take the field.
Notre Dame isn't making it known why the suspensions are being handed out.
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