Minnesota Football: Chris Autman-Bell is “week-to-week” according to P.J. Fleck

Chris Autman-Bell is going to be okay, according to head coach P.J. Fleck. The Minnesota Golden Gophers’ top wide receiver suffered a leg injury during a full-contact drill in practice last week, which led to a collective gasp among fans, many of whom feared the worst.

But Fleck was on KFAN with Justin Gaard on Monday and said that Autman-Bell is considered “week-to-week.” He said the injury was not a “long-term issue” and even invited those concerned to “take a deep breath.” Fleck also mentioned that Daniel Jackson has been banged up.

Though it was reported that the medical staff was looking at Autman-Bell’s knee after the injury, reports of the wideout being in a boot and crutches at practice suggests an ankle injury. His status for the season opener against Ohio State on Thurday, Sept. 2, is obviously up in the air.

Autman-Bell and Jackson are the Gophers’ top returning receivers. Autman-Bell hauled in 22 receptions for 430 receiving yards and one touchdown a season ago. Jackson recorded 12 receptions and 167 receiving yards as a true freshman.