Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner will play in Monday's bowl game and then have foot surgery, which will limit him in spring practice, coach Tracy Claeys confirmed Wednesday.
Leidner has had time to recover since the regular season finale against Wisconsin and will actually go into the Quick Lane Bowl healthier than he's been for much of the season. But Claeys said the foot surgery will help Leidner get through a full season next year as a senior.
Leidner is expected to be full-go by next summer. With him limited in spring practice, it will give Demry Croft, Jacques Perra, Conor Rhoda and newcomer Seth Green extra reps.
Etc.
* Claeys indicated he is close to filling the open offensive coordinator and offensive line coaching jobs, but details are being sorted out, and Claeys said he doesn't want to announce anything before the bowl game.
* The Gophers list Jon Christenson and Joe Bjorklund as their two starting guards on their Quick Lane Bowl depth chart, with Connor Mayes listed as the backup at right guard.
* The injury report lists defensive tackles Steven Richardson and Scott Ekpe as questionable. Both have returned to practice, and Claeys is hoping they both can play.
