Irish TE Rudolph to have surgery Friday

Published Oct. 13, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Notre Dame star tight end Kyle Rudolph will have season-ending surgery Friday to repair a torn hamstring, coach Brian Kelly said.

Rudolph, who was injured in last week's win over Pitt, will then probably need six months of rehab. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound junior, a top NFL prospect, has been a starter for the Irish since his freshman season. He had 28 catches and three TDs this season.

Kelly said the surgery likely will be performed by Dr. Brian Ratigan, an orthopaedist who works with Notre Dame athletes.

Kelly said that leading rusher Armando Allen, who did not practice Wednesday, has a hip flexor and the team will be cautious with him. A decision on whether he can play Saturday against Western Michigan might not come until game day.