Former Bishop Dwenger standout Tyler Eifert had to cut his first season with Notre Dame short when he finally had to see a specialist about a bulging disc in his back.

Eifert will not have surgery, because that would have ended his playing career according to coach Charlie Weis, but he will go through a rehabilitation program that should allow him to continue to play.

"He's doing good," said receiver John Goodman, who played with Eifert at Dwenger. "He's enjoying the physical therapy because he knows once he gets better he is going to be a force to reckon with. Right now, he said he feels good, his physical therapy is going well and he's gotten all the help he needs. From here on out, it is working to get better and getting ready to play for next year."

Eifert is expected to be able to participate in spring drills.

"I talk to Tyler every day, he's doing well and has embraced his schedule that he has now as far as everything with the rehab and stuff," tight end Kyle Rudolph said. "He's definitely doing very well, and Tyler looks forward to having a successful future."