Irish DT Nix to miss game vs. Air Force

Notre Dame will be without the strong inside presence of defensive tackle Louis Nix III when it faces Air Force on Saturday.

Nix suffered a shoulder injury in Fighting Irish's win over USC last Saturday and has not practiced this week. ESPN.com reported that Nix is battling knee tendinitis.

The school announced Thursday that Nix would not travel with the team for the game against the Falcons (1-6).

Nix has 22 tackles, including two for a loss, for a defense that has allowed only four rushing touchdowns in seven games this season.

Expected to replace Nix is senior backup Kona Schwenke.

Also out of the lineup for Notre Dame will be right guard Christian Lombard, who is lost for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to remove a herniated disk.