SOUTH BEND, IN - AUGUST 30: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish yells at players on the sidelines after a score by the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on August 30, 2014 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Notre Dame suddenly dismisses four players from the football program

Depth could be an issue next year.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has dismissed four players from the team, according to ESPN's Mark Schlabach.

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Wide receiver Kevin Stepherson, running backs Deon McIntosh and CJ Holmes, and defensive tackle Brandon Tiassum were all dismissed. Stepherson, McIntosh and Holmes were suspended for Notre Dame's bowl game against LSU.

Stepherson was third on the team in receiving in 2017 as he caught 19 passes for 359 yards and five touchdowns. He was arrested on misdemeanor marijuana charges in 2016, and he and Holmes were arrested for misdemeanor shoplifting charges. Stepherson was also suspended for four games to start the 2017 season.

Holmes and Tiassum played in limited roles in 2017 for the Fighting Irish. McIntosh rushed for 368 yards and five touchdowns last year as the third string running back, and he likely would have had an expanded role in 2018 after the departure of Josh Adams, who left for the NFL Draft.

The school did not list a reason for why the four players were dismissed.

Notre Dame opens up the 2018 season at home against Michigan on Sept. 1.