Kyle Efford injury: CFB insider offers update on Georgia Tech LB’s availability

Georgia Tech will be without star linebacker Kyle Efford for this week's matchup against Notre Dame. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2) will host the number 12 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) in a week 8 matchup.

Without Efford in the lineup, it will be a tough task for Georgia Tech to upset Notre Dame.

Roughly three hours before the 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff, insider Pete Thamel announced that Kyle Efford will not be available for today's matchup.

"Georgia Tech will be without star linebacker Kyle Efford, the team's leading tackler and best defensive player, against No. 12 Notre Dame today. He's dealing with an undisclosed injury. He's got 52 tackles and a sack for Tech this year," Thamel wrote on X.

This will be the first game of the season where Efford is not available for the Yellow Jackets. He had another standout performance last week against UNC when he had 10 total tackles, including six solo efforts.

How does Kyle Efford's absence impact the Georgia Tech defense?

Without Kyle Efford in the lineup, Georgia Tech will have a big void on its defensive line. Efford is tied for the team lead in solo tackles with defensive back Ahmari Harvey with 25.

However, he has a huge lead in total tackles with 52 over Harvey in second with 34. Additionally, Efford is one of only eight Yellow Jackets players who have at least partial credit for a sack this year.

Kyle Efford's return remains uncertain

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' coaching staff have not openly discussed Efford's medical condition.

As a result, the nature of his injury is not clear. Fans and experts do not know if the injury was sustained last Saturday against UNC or at practice during the week.

Additionally, the severity of the injury has not been revealed. So, without that information, it is not possible to know when he will return.

It is likely that head coach Brent Key will be asked about Efford missing the game in the post-game press conference.

The Fighting Irish enter the matchup against Notre Dame as big -600 favorites. Georgia Tech has +425 odds to win.