EUGENE, ORE. – Gophers running back Darius Taylor, who has been limited to six games this season because of leg injuries, was cleared to play in Friday’s game at No. 8 Oregon.
Taylor missed the Nov. 1 game against Michigan State after playing only three snaps the week before at Iowa.
Taylor, who ranks second on the team with 354 rushing yards on 80 carries, was not listed on the Big Ten’s availability report that was released two hours before the 6 p.m. Pacific kickoff, meaning he is available to play.
The return of Taylor should help Minnesota’s passing game, too, as his 16 receptions for 134 yards are the most of any Gophers back. Last year, his 54 receptions led all Big Ten running backs.
Listed as out on the availability report were linebacker Joey Gerlach (out for the season), defensive backs Garrison Monroe and Simon Seidl, defensive lineman Theo Randle, offensive lineman Aluma Nkele and wide receiver Kenric Lanier. Defensive lineman Rushawn Lawrence was listed as questionable.
Oregon was without leading receiver Dakorien Moore and fourth-leading receiver Gary Bryant Jr. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq, the Ducks’ second-leading pass-catcher, was listed as questionable, as was right tackle Alex Harkey.
