Anthonie Knapp injury update: Latest update on Notre Dame OT for Orange Bowl showdown

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish struggled to get much momentum and rhythm going in the first half of the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Thursday. A big reason for the lack of consistency so far has been the injury bug as starting left tackle Anthonie Knapp left the game in the second quarter due to an ankle injury.

The ESPN broadcast team did report that Anthonie Knapp was having difficulty walking on the sideline with a brace that the training staff applied to the injured ankle.

Knapp would not return during the first half and it will be interesting to see if the freshman can get back on the field to begin the second half. Backup offensive tackle Tosh Baker has replaced the injured Knapp to battle against the Nittany Lions' defensive front.

This Notre Dame offensive line is dealing with two injuries now with offensive guard Rocco Spindler also being injured in this game and this Penn State defense is getting a lot of pressure thus far.

What does Anthonie Knapp's injury mean for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish?

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are going to be in a tough spot if Anthonie Knapp is unable to return to the game in the second half. He is the player who is consistently lined up against Nittany Lions star edge rusher Abdul Carter, who even as he is dealing with an injured shoulder, is going to be able to wreak havoc.

Now having a backup left tackle, the Penn State Nittany Lions are able to come off the edge more consistently, which is giving the quarterback less time to let plays develop down the field. It also makes running the football a lot more difficult as the Fighting Irish are not able to run stretches to the left side of the offensive line as a result.

Losing Anthonie Knapp has provided problems for the Notre Dame offense in the first half. If he cannot return for the final two quarters, we could possibly see more of the same of the Penn State defense getting in the Irish backfield.