Gophers wide receiver KJ Maye is expected to return for Saturday's game against Kent State after injuring his midsection in last week's game at Colorado State.
Maye took a big hit in the fourth quarter, before he caught his touchdown pass with 55 seconds remaining. He was spitting up blood on the sideline, so the training staff held him out of overtime.
"He's OK," coach Jerry Kill told KFAN (100.3-FM) on Thursday.
Kill said he's not sure of the medical specifics but describe the injury as a bruised lung.
"I thought he broke his ribs," Kill said. "But he's practiced every day, and he's a very, very tough kid mentally. He's OK and that's important to us."
When the Gophers released their depth chart Thursday night, they listed both Maye and tight end Brandon Lingen as starters. So Lingen has been cleared after suffering a concussion at Colorado State.
On their official injury report, the Gophers list safeties Damarius Travis (hamstring) and Ace Rogers (knee) as out. So walk-on Adekunle Ayinde will get another start.
Kill also mentioned on the radio Joe Bjorklund is playing through a knee injury. Bjorklund is the starting left guard with Jon Christenson out. Josh Campion, who will start at right tackle, is also listed as the backup at left guard, behind Bjorklund.
