TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State co-defensive coordinator Keith Patterson said he does not expect junior starting nose tackle Jaxon Hood to play Saturday when the No. 9 Sun Devils host No. 10 Notre Dame.

Speaking after Wednesday’s practice, Patterson declined to give a reason for Hood’s absence. "That’s between him and coach," Patterson said.

Coach Todd Graham is not available to the media on Wednesdays but told Doug Haller of AZcentral.com Hood has "personal issues" to deal with this week. Hood has not been at either of ASU’s two practices this week.

Hood, the most veteran player on ASU’s defense, also missed nearly two weeks of fall camp due to personal reasons. He rejoined the team two weeks before the start of the season and has thus far compiled 10 tackles (2-1/2 for loss).

At Wednesday’s practice, sophomore Viliami Latu worked in Hood’s place with the first-team defense. Freshman Emanuel Dayries, who has not played this season, also got work at nose tackle, and Patterson said he could play Saturday.

Elsewhere on the defensive line, junior defensive end Demetrius Cherry practiced with the first-team defense following his suspension for the Utah game due to an arrest for driving under the influence.

Starting left guard Chrisitan Westerman, who suffered a leg injury against Washington and missed the Utah game, wore a green non-contact jersey for the second straight practice Wednesday. He appeared to be more involved in individual drills than he was Tuesday but did not work with the first-team offensive line during the portion of practice open to the media.

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