Notre Dame fans can breathe a little easier. Markus Burton suffered a knee injury early in the Irish’s loss to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Tuesday and many wondered aloud if he might be out for the season. On Wednesday we received clarification that Burton won’t be out for the entire season – but the statement was perhaps a little more open about a return date.

From the ND press release:

LAS VEGAS – On Tuesday, November 26, All-ACC guard Markus Burton suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Players Era Tournament game against Rutgers that will keep him out of competition week to week.

“I couldn’t be prouder of my teammates’ performance after my injury and I know they will pick me back up and continue to play well. I look forward to supporting them in any way I can,” said Burton. “As with everything I do in basketball, I will tackle my rehab and do my best to get back on the floor at full strength as quickly as possible.”

“I want to thank the South Bend community and Notre Dame for their outpouring of support. All the prayers that came my way were inspiring and show how special my entire home community is.”

“We are grateful that Markus will be back at full strength this season,” added Glenn and Stacey Murphy Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Shrewsberry. “I have every confidence in our athletic trainer Nixon Dorvilien and our entire medical staff to put Markus in the best position to return to the field when the time is right.”

Burton, the reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, is averaging 18.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this season.