SOUTH BEND – Notre Dame starting quarterback Brandon Wimbush will be a game-day decision on Saturday as he continues to recover from a right foot injury, coach Brian Kelly said Thursday.

The Irish, off to a 4-1 start, play at North Carolina Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Wimbush participated in Thursday’s practice after sitting out earlier in the week, and Kelly said the quarterback is “where we hoped he would be” in his recovery. Wimbush experienced soreness in his foot after last week’s game against Miami (Ohio) and underwent an MRI, which revealed no structural or ligament damage.

Sophomore Ian Book would start Saturday if Wimbush cannot play.

“He’s had a good week and been really effective,” Kelly said of Book. “He gets a lot of reps. We give our second quarterback a good deal of the reps, so he’s gotten a lot of work. He knows the offense pretty good.”

Wimbush has 402 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 68 carries, and has completed 52.3 percent of his passes for 782 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions.

Book has eight pass attempts and five rushes on the season.

The Irish will have a bye week following the UNC game before hosting USC on Oct. 21.