Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner will be limited in spring practice, recovering from the foot surgery he has scheduled right after the Quick Lane Bowl, coach Tracy Claeys said Wednesday.
Leidner has been playing with an injured left foot this season but hasn't missed a game and will be ready to face Central Michigan on Monday.
"It's a matter of getting him healthy," Claeys said. "Right now, he's not healthy. He's a great competitor, and we've limited his practices to make sure that he's as full speed as he can be.
"His body feels as good as it has in a long time. So I think he'll play well [in the bowl game], but then at the same time, he can't make it through a full season with the foot injuries that he has now."
Leidner has fought to keep practicing through several injuries in his Gophers career. But he'll be a senior next fall, and the team wants him fully healthy.
With Leidner limited in the spring, Claeys noted that backup quarterback Demry Croft and newcomer Seth Green will both get chances to show what they can do.
"We'll take time in the offseason and get [Leidner's injuries] taken care of," Claeys said. "So it'll limit him in the spring, but by the time we get to the summer workouts, he should be in good shape."
Coaching hires coming
Claeys said he's close to hiring an offensive coordinator and an offensive line coach.