The Gophers should have tackle Jonah Pirsig back from his sprained ankle injury "soon," coach Tracy Claeys said Sunday, adding that he wasn't sure if that meant in time for Saturday's game against Purdue.

Pirsig has made good progress since spraining the ankle against Iowa on Oct. 8. Claeys likes that the Gophers have been able to build depth at tackle in Pirsig's absence. Donnell Greene has started the past three games at tackle, and they've all been victories against Maryland, Rutgers and Illinois.

The Gophers are getting healthier, but Claeys said it will be a while before they'll have tight end Brandon Lingen back from his foot injury. Claeys still hasn't ruled out Lingen returning this season, but said it would be "for the last game or so."