The Notre Dame Fighting Irish suspended running back Greg Bryant four games for an unspecified "violation of team rules."
First reported by 247 Sports, the backup tailback will sit out home games against Texas, Georgia Tech and UMass, as well as one road game against Virginia. ESPN later confirmed the suspension, but also could not disclose the reason.
Bryant saw his involvement in the offense increase significantly in his sophomore season when he rushed for 289 yards and three touchdowns on 54 carries. As a freshman, Bryant only got three carries, which he took for 14 total yards.
ESPN's second-ranked running back coming out of high school in 2013, Bryant figured to see his role increase again this year behind Tarean Folston, a returning junior who led the Irish last season with 889 rushing yards.
CSN Chicago reported Bryant still "remains a part of the plan," indicating his suspension should not set back his role in the offense when he is eligible to play against Clemson in week five. Bryant is reportedly close friends with quarterback Malik Zaire, who will start for the Irish after Everett Golson's departure.
Both players got several snaps together in last season's blowout loss to USC. Bryant took seven carries in that game for 79 yards and a touchdown, breaking a stretch of seven straight games in which he received six carries or fewer.
Notre Dame has not officially recognized the suspension, neither has Bryant commented on the matter.
