Gophers Running Back Darius Taylor Out Due to Hamstring Injury

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Minnesota Gophers running back Darius Taylor will miss his second consecutive game due to a right hamstring injury sustained on Sept. 6 during a game against Northwestern (La.) State. The injury occurred while Taylor was on a 17-yard run, leading to his immediate exit from the game.

With Taylor sidelined, Minnesota will turn to redshirt freshman Fame Ijeboi and transfer Cam Davis to fill the gap in the backfield. Ijeboi has made an impressive start this season, with 136 yards from 23 carries, including 85 yards from 16 attempts against California. Meanwhile, Davis has contributed with 69 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.

Taylor, who has been a key player for the Gophers, leads the team with 161 rushing yards on 33 attempts and is fourth in receiving with five catches for 45 yards. His absence was notably felt during the game against California, where the Gophers averaged just 3.5 yards per carry and managed only four receptions for 7 yards from their running backs.

According to Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck, Taylor is recovering well. “He’s doing really, really well,” Fleck noted in a recent press conference.

Another concern for the Gophers is their backup A.J. Turner, who will be out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury suffered on Sept. 13. Turner had rushed for 64 yards over 16 carries this season before his injury.

Additionally, the Gophers reported other players as unavailable, including wide receivers Cristian Driver and Bradley Martino, kicker Sam Henson, defensive back Garrison Monroe, defensive lineman Theo Randle, and offensive lineman DJ Shipp. Defensive back Naiim Parrish is listed as questionable for upcoming games.