Leidner has foot surgery; Claeys says QB will be full-strength in about four months

Gophers coach Tracy Claeys also confirmed that Berkley Edwards, Desmond Gant and Craig James have been granted their release from the program.

December 30, 2015 at 8:31PM
Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner throws during the first half of the Quick Lane Bowl NCAA college football game against Central Michigan, Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, in Detroit.
Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner throws during the first half of the Quick Lane Bowl NCAA college football game against Central Michigan, Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, in Detroit. (Tom Wallace — Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner had successful surgery on his left foot Wednesday, and his recovery should take about four months, the team announced.

"Mitch's surgery went well," coach Tracy Claeys said in the press release. "We will be careful with his recovery process, but hope to have him back at full strength in four months or so."

Leidner started all 13 games this year as a junior and passed for 2,701 yards, the Gophers' fourth highest single-season mark.

The Lakeville native has played through ligament injuries in the foot for the past two seasons and spent much of his time off the field in a walking boot in recent weeks. He will be limited in spring practice but is expected to be full-go for summer workouts, as Claeys said earlier this month.

Roster moves confirmed

Claeys also confirmed that Berkley Edwards, Desmond Gant and Craig James have been granted their release from the program.

"We wish all three of them the best and thank them for their contributions to the program," Claeys said in the press release. "Craig James wants to be close to his family, while Desmond is seeking an opportunity for more playing time. Berkley indicated to us that he is leaving our football program to pursue track full time."

about the writer

about the writer

Joe Christensen

Sports team leader

Joe Christensen, a Minnesota Star Tribune sports team leader, graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent 15 years covering Major League Baseball, including stops at the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Baltimore Sun. He joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2005 and spent four years covering Gophers football.

See Moreicon

More from Gophers

See More
card image
Gophers athletics/Gophers athletics

The Gophers played the final two sets tight in their first Sweet 16 since 2022, but they couldn’t get past the Panthers.

card image
card image