Notre Dame TE Alex Welch out for the season

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly confirmed Saturday that tight end Alex Welch will miss the upcoming season with a torn ACL in his right knee. The injury occurred in Wednesday's practice, the South Bend Tribune reported.

Welch figured to see extensive playing time in offense coordinator Chuck Martin's multiple tight end sets. Martin ran the multiple sets frequently during his time at Grand Valley State. From 2004-2009, the Lakers' offense under Martin averaged 35.1 points per game. The Irish have one of the top tights end in the FBS in Mackey Award nominee Tyler Eifert.

Notre Dame has several options to replace Welch. Sophomore Ben Koyack (6-5, 253) had one catch for five yards in 2011. Sophomore Troy Niklas (6-7, 260), a converted outside linebacker, offers potential. Senior Jake Golic (6-4, 245) will also try to break into the mix.

Kelly also disclosed that junior linebacker Danny Spond is out indefinitely after experiencing concussion-like symptoms.

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