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NCAAF

Everett Golson cleared to practice after passing concussion test

Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson, right, runs the ball as Stanford defenders close in for the tackle.
  • Everett Golson cleared to resume practice activities after passing concussion testing
  • The sophomore was injured late in the fourth quarter of last weekend's win over Stanford
  • Golson could start for Notre Dame against Brigham Young on Saturday

Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson has been cleared to resume practice activities after successfully completing concussion testing on Tuesday, the university announced.

Golson sustained a concussion during a helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter of Notre Dame's win over Stanford last Saturday. The sophomore, who has started every game for the Fighting Irish, has not practiced this week after failing to pass a cognitive test on Monday.

With Golson sidelined, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly had planned on splitting practice snaps between quarterbacks Tommy Rees and Andrew Hendrix on a 60-40 basis.

Rees has played in each of the last five games, helping lift the Irish to late victories over Purdue and the Cardinal as a late-game substitution. Hendrix, who took part in Notre Dame's offseason quarterback competition, has not played since attempting five passes in a season-opening win over Navy.

During his Sunday teleconference, Kelly remained confident that Golson could still start in this week's game against Brigham Young even if he was unable to practice with the team early this week.

"The only thing that would be at risk here would be if he's not cleared for Tuesday then he loses a lot of rep work on Tuesday," said Kelly. "It doesn't mean, though, that he couldn't still be a starter for us if he practices Wednesday and Thursday."

Being limited during practice would not be new for Golson, who has also been hampered by a turf toe injury suffered during a win over Miami (Fla.) on Oct. 6.

Notre Dame, now 6-0 and ranked No. 5 in the initial BCS standings, hosts 4-3 BYU on Saturday. On Oct. 10, the Irish travel to Norman to take on 4-1 Oklahoma.

Before getting to the Cougars, Kelly will work with Golson on limiting the sophomore's penchant for turnovers. Through six games, Golson is responsible for all seven of Notre Dame's giveaways – four lost fumbles and three interceptions.

"I think he understands that that's what he has to get better at is taking care of the football," said Kelly. "He knows how important it is to take care of the football and we have to be more vigilant in practice."

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