Notre Dame QB Tommy Rees expected to start against Air Force after neck injury

Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees throws a pass as Southern California linebacker Devon Dennard closes during the first quarter of a college football game on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond) (The Associated Press)

Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees walks off the field after Notre Dame's 14-10 victory over Southern California in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in South Bend, Ind. Rees was knocked out of the game in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond) (The Associated Press)

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said quarterback Tommy Rees has been cleared to play against Air Force after missing much of the second half against USC with a strained neck.

Rees left the game with 9 minutes left in the third quarter after being sacked and the offense struggled without him as the Irish held on for a 14-10 victory against the Trojans. Kelly says he will monitor Rees in practice this week. Backup Andrew Hendrix was 0-for-4 passing as the offense floundered without Rees, who is completing 53 percent of his passes.

Kelly says he is confident Hendrix will play better when he gets in a game again. He says Hendrix and freshman quarterback Malik Zaire will get more time at practice this week.