Nearly a year after breaking two bones in his left leg during spring practice, Gophers captain Kim Royston was cleared Wednesday to return to a new session of spring ball.
Royston will take part when drills open Thursday, Minnesota coach Jerry Kill said, although "we'll be careful with him."
The senior safety successfully petitioned the Big Ten for an additional year of eligibility, though that was perhaps the easiest hurdle Royston has overcome since the freak injury last April 13. Three different surgeries, the placement of a titanium rod, and several months worth of rehab work have combined to make the St. Paul native healthy enough to resume his Minnesota career.
"He's done a great job of working his tail off to get back," Kill said. "He'll be full-go tomorrow, and that's a credit to him."