Markus Burton

ANALYSIS
Burton suffered the injury in the 10th game of Notre Dame's season back on Dec. 5, and while it didn't require surgery, it was clear he was going to miss a significant amount of time. Nearly two months later, Burton still doesn't have an official timetable, and the current state of the Notre Dame program is undoubtedly playing a factor in that. The Irish have lost seven of their last eight games to fall to 2-7 in conference play, and even with a big late-season run, they would likely be on the outside looking in with respect to an NCAA Tournament berth. Burton would technically be eligible for a redshirt if he is injured before 30 percent of his team's season is complete, and a late-season return to a team with little hope would jeopardize that. If Burton chooses to remain sidelined, however, he would still have two years of eligibility remaining -- that's two more years with a potential fresh start, as well as plenty of NIL-earning potential.