The Notre Dame Fighting Irish took another hit in their defensive backfield with the suspension of junior safety Max Redfield.

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly told reporters Tuesday Redfield violated unspecified team rules and would not play in the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, according to ESPN.

"We sent Max Redfield home for violation of team rules," Kelly said. "He will not be with us for the bowl."

Redfield posted an apology to his Instagram account in which he took responsibility for his "actions" and indicated his suspension was at least related to issues with punctuality.

"Although I was not alone in my 2 incidents of being punctual, I SOLELY take responsibility for my actions," read part of his post.

Compounding Notre Dame's defensive problems, junior cornerback Devin Butler was ruled out of the Fiesta Bowl after he broke his foot in practice Monday, ESPN noted. The Irish were already going into the game without senior cornerback KeiVarae Russell, a starter who broke his leg in the team's game against Boston College.

The South Bend Tribune pointed out how Kelly's program is familiar with adversity, whether it is brought on by the team's strict policies or by injury. After all, quarterback DeShone Kizer's breakout season was only possible because of a season-ending injury to Malik Zaire in week two.

The Irish's Fiesta Bowl berth is their most significant postseason game since losing the 2012 BCS National Championship, and after missing out on the College Football Playoff this year Notre Dame is need of a big win.

But Ohio State has one of the best offenses in the nation would have been a major challenge for a fully loaded Irish defense.