The Gophers injury-riddled offensive line took another hit last week, when left guard Jared Weyler suffered a torn triceps muscle.
Weyler was not listed on Tuesday's injury report, but coach Tracy Claeys revealed the news on KFAN (100.3-FM). Weyler, a third-year sophomore had been a steady presence on the starting line for eight weeks, while the Gophers patched things together at other positions.
Garrison Wright and Vincent Calhoun are both battling injuries at right guard. Right tackle Jonah Pirsig missed three games because of a sprained left ankle and played despite re-injuring himself last week at Nebraska.
Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson said beyond trying to find the right substitutes, the linemen are missing the chance to gel for communication and other purposes.
"That, over time, I think really improves your offensive line," Johnson said. "We haven't really been able to settle into that. If you don't know how that guy reacts next to you, and that's constantly moving and switching, I think that creates challenges."
Johnson said he's not sure how offensive line coach Bart Miller will replace Weyler but mentioned redshirt freshman Bronson Dovich as one possibility.
Takeaways missing
The Gophers had at least three takeaways for five consecutive weeks before having none in Saturday's 24-17 loss at Nebraska. Claeys pointed to a near-interception, presumably the chance Jalen Myrick had for a pick six on the Cornhusker's first touchdown drive.
"We have a chance to get out, and we drop an interception," Claeys said. "They're a good football team. Last I checked, I think they're ranked 17 [in the Coaches Poll]. You go on the road [before] 90,000 people — I think they won 19 night games in a row at the University of Nebraska, and we're right there with them and have a chance and a few plays short.
