Weis says Clausen likely to play against Purdue, Allen will be a gametime decision

Clausen likely vs. Purdue, Allen is iffy

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen, slowed by a turf toe on his right foot after being sacked last weekend, is expected to play Saturday against Purdue.

“He looked good out there today,” coach Charlie Weis said after practice Thursday. “He practiced a little bit yesterday, practiced a lot more today and looked sharp. Looks like he’s ready to go.”

Clausen was injured last week against Michigan State but missed only two plays in the game.

Weis said he worked with Clausen this week to tweak his throwing motion to help take pressure off his right foot.

Weis said tailback Armando Allen Jr. will be a gametime decision on Saturday because of his injured right ankle. Allen also got hurt in the game against Michigan State.

“He didn’t go as much as Jimmy went today,” Weis said. “So we were giving the other running backs a lot more work.”

Even if Allen is healthy enough to play, he likely will get fewer carries after rushing for 100 yards in back-to-back games for the first time in his career, Weis said. Allen has run for 326 yards in three games.

“I’m not counting on losing him. I just said it’s a gametime decision,” Weis said. “It might turn into a 10-15 carry game instead of a 25-carry game. The other guys are going to have to pick up the slack if that’s the case.”