U's Decker out for rest of regular season

By STAFF REPORTS

Last update: October 27, 2009 - 12:54 PM

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The Gophers will play the remainder of their 2009 regular season without Eric Decker, the school’s all-time leader in receptions (227).

The senior suffered a sprained foot in Saturday’s loss at Ohio State, and has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season.

Decker might have to undergo surgery, coach Tim Brewster said this morning.

He’s being examined by doctors to see whether surgery is the best option. “What we hope is we can possibly get Eric back for a bowl game,’’ Brewster said. The coach described the injury as “a sprain in his arch.’’

Decker had 43 catches in the Gophers first five games, then only four receptions in the next two. He looked on pace to rebound with three catches for 27 yards in the first quarter at Ohio State, but suffered a sprained foot late in the quarter.

A year ago the Gophers stumbled down the stretch, losing their final five games largely because Decker suffered an injury against Michigan on Nov. 8 and had just three receptions the rest of the regular season. He played in only two of the final three games.

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