Notre Dame freshman quarterback CJ Carr was throwing Saturday in the portion of practice open to the media ahead of the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day as he returns from an elbow injury suffered in practice during the regular season.

During the 30 minutes open to the media, Carr participated in each drill the quarterbacks did but took some reps off in each of those drills as Notre Dame coaches  continue to play things safe with their 4-star prospect.

“Anything like that you are going to keep an eye on,” Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said after practice when asked if Carr was being limited or has a ‘pitch count’ on him. “He was in on team time and doing his business today, made a couple of really nice throws in team time today so it was exciting to watch.”

Overall, Denbrock seemed pleased with the progress Carr is making despite having to miss time on the practice field.

“Mentally coming along really well,” Denbrock said. “He’s throwing in practice and doing those things. We’re excited about where that’s headed. He’s back in full detail and got in some team reps and everything else today. It’s good to see him back and going at it.”

Irish coach Marcus Freeman said previously the injury did not require surgery and was not considered serious. Freeman said they weren’t going to rush Carr back and wanted to make sure he was 110% before returning.

Carr has been considered by many to be the favorite to win the starting quarterback job for next season. It’s unclear at this time if the injury could affect those chances. He would be competing with Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey for the starting job come spring practice, if Angeli and/or Minchey stay with the team and not enter the transfer portal.