Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd healing faster than expected, could play against Pitt on Nov. 14

Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd could be ready vs Pitt

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd is healing faster than expected from a broken left collarbone and could be ready to play by Nov. 7 when the Fighting Irish play Navy.

Floyd was in full pads at practice Tuesday but was taking part only on a limited basis. During an agility drill where quarterbacks and receivers ran back and forth between pads, Floyd and quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who has turf toe on his right foot, jogged along straight ahead beside the others.

“So you’re on the Clausen program, huh?” Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis joked.

Later, while other receivers caught passes and were battered by pads being swung by trainers, Floyd mimicked catching a pass and ran through untouched.

Floyd had surgery on Sept. 20 to have a plate placed on the bone for reinforcement, a day after he was injured when he landed on his shoulder trying to make a catch against Michigan State.

Floyd is scheduled to undergo a CAT scan the first week of November.

“Based off the results of that CAT scan they’ll determine if and when we can get him back,” Weis said. “Fingers crossed the earliest we can get him back is Pittsburgh.

At the time of the injury, Weis said Floyd might be available for a bowl game. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore was second in the nation in receiving yards at 160 yards a game when he was hurt.

No. 25 Notre Dame hosts No. 6 Southern California on Saturday. During the early part of the practice Tuesday, Weis had versions of various songs for the Irish and Trojans playing.

(This version CORRECTS when Floyd could return).)