:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56955857/848030442.0.jpg)
It looks like you should expect Minnesota to field a depleted secondary for the second game in a row. In today’s Big Ten teleconference, Coach Fleck was asked about the status of Duke McGhee and Antoine Winfield Jr. heading into this weekend’s game against Purdue:
#Gophers @Coach_Fleck says suspended safety Duke McGhee isn't expected to play vs. Purdue but is back with team.
— Randy Johnson (@RJstrib) October 2, 2017
#Gophers @Coach_Fleck says "we'll see" on injured safety Antoine Winfield Jr.'s playing status vs. Purdue.
— Randy Johnson (@RJstrib) October 2, 2017
Doogie chimed in soon after that he was hearing that Winfield is not expected to play due to his hamstring strain, but that it’s not considered serious.
Told Antoine Winfield Jr. is expected out at least one game. It's a strain, nothing torn, so that's a positive. Really good player. #Gophers
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) October 2, 2017
Secondary depth has been an area of concern all season, but Saturday’s game against Maryland reaffirmed how important both Duke and Winfield are to the Gophers. Being without either will make Saturday’s game at Purdue that much more difficult.
Updates on other players who are out
- You probably saw this already, but freshman wide receiver Demetrius Douglas is now out for the season:
#Gophers @Coach_Fleck says WR Demetrius Douglas is out for the year. Team will apply for a medical redshirt.
— Randy Johnson (@RJstrib) October 1, 2017
- Demry Croft is also still out.
#Gophers @Coach_Fleck says QB Demry Croft remains indefinitely suspended. Is there a path back to team for Croft? "Eventually," Fleck says.
— Randy Johnson (@RJstrib) October 2, 2017