SOUTH BEND – The Notre Dame football team has suffered a big loss even before the start of practice for the 2016 season.

Irish sophomore tight end Alize Jones will not play this season coach Brian Kelly announced Wednesday night. Jones will remain on the team and can practice with the Irish.

Jones tweeted earlier a message of apology, hinting at academic shortcomings and saying that he planned to remain with the Fighting Irish.

Jones, who is from Las Vegas, played in all 13 games during his freshman season. He started five for the Irish, catching 13 passes for 190 yards.

Jones would have been Notre Dame’s second-leading returning pass-catcher in 2016.

Notre Dame opens practice on Saturday at Culver Academies. The Irish open the season at Texas on Sept. 4.