A.J. Barker, Minnesota's leading receiver, will miss his third consecutive game Saturday because of a sprained ankle, the Gophers announced Thursday. But he's not the only player who will stay home from Nebraska.

Defensive tackle Roland Johnson, who has played despite a sore knee the past two weeks, will also be sidelined this weekend, along with reserve linebacker Lamonte Edwards.

In addition, defensive end D.L. Wilhite, the Big Ten's sack leader, is listed as questionable because of an unspecified injury, though the team's depth chart still includes him as the projected starter. Defensive back Jeremy Baltazar and running back and special teams player Devon Wright are also questionable, as is center Jon Christenson, who was injured last week at Illinois.

Barker, whose 30 catches and seven touchdowns are easily the most among Minnesota receivers this year, was injured while catching a touchdown pass against Purdue on Oct. 27. Wideout Derrick Engel, who missed last Saturday's victory at Illinois, is not on this week's injury list and is expected to play.

Phil Miller