Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Kyle Rudolph #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is tackled by Charlton Williams #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Purdue 23-12. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Rudolph; Charlton Williams

By RICK GANO

updated 12:40 p.m. ET Oct. 12, 2010

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame star tight end Kyle Rudolph will miss the remainder of the season with a serious hamstring injury that will require surgery.

Rudolph, a junior who has been a starter since his freshman season, had been bothered by hamstring problems since fall camp but injured it severely during Saturday's victory over Pitt. He left the game in the fourth quarter.

Rudolph has 28 catches for 328 yards and three touchdowns this season, including a 95-yarder against Michigan. In his first two seasons, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Rudolph had 62 catches for 704 yards and five TDs.

Coach Brian Kelly said Rudolph's hamstring came off the bone and surgery will take place within the next several days after his family discusses options.

A top NFL prospect, Rudolph could face a six-month recovery. Tyler Eifert, Mike Ragone and Jake Golic will have to fill in for Rudolph.

Kelly said Rudolph tried to play through the injury.

"He felt very good before the game. Exertion caused the injury. ... He's a courageous kid and tried to fight through it," Kelly said.

Before leaving the game late, Rudolph had five receptions in Notre Dame's 23-17 win.

The Irish will take a 3-3 record into Saturday's game against Western Michigan.

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