Brandon Green's two-game stint as a punt returner last season won't cost the Gopher receiver a year of eligibility, the Big Ten confirmed on Monday.
Green, who averaged 9.3 yards on four punt returns before a knee injury ended his season after only two games, was granted a medical hardship waiver by the conference, allowing him to remain a junior for the 2011 season. The decision to wipe out last season and give Green two more years to play had long been expected, particularly since the 21-year-old Chicago native didn't catch a pass last season, but formal confirmation was delayed.
Green has been participating in Minnesota's off-season workout program, and is expected to take part in spring practices next month.
His 42 career receptions make Green the Gophers' second-most experienced wide receiver on the current roster, behind senior Da'Jon McKnight.