![UNLV Rebels defensive lineman Sonny Sanitoa (93) dragged Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Donnell Kirkwood (20) back for a four yard loss on the play in the second quarter during the Minnesota Gophers vs. UNLV in the season opener at TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn., on Thursday, August 29, 2013. ] (RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER • reneejones@startribune.com)](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/WGRBYLXCGB6XDM33XADKW6PBEY.jpg?&w=1080)
Gophers coach Jerry Kill said today that he didn't have an update on running back Donnell Kirkwood, who appeared to sprain his right ankle in the third quarter of Thursday's 51-23 victory over UNLV.
The coach also said he couldn't be sure if freshman running back Berkley Edwards would be back from his sprained ankle injury in time for the Sept. 7 game at New Mexico State.
"It was probably good to see David [Cobb] do well because we're going to need him and Rodrick [Williams] at full tilt," Kill said.
Kill said the team will redouble its efforts to get freshman Donovahn Jones more involved at wide receiver.
"He's going to get pushed more this week; there's no question about that," Kill said. "… Right now, we need a receiver that's physical and can go get a football. Not that we don't have that. Derrick [Engel's] very capable, he's proven that. Isaac Fruecte -- we just need more."
Tight end Drew Goodger appeared to ding his knee in the second quarter when he caught a nine-yard pass from Nelson near Minnesota's goal line and flipped end over end. But Kill said Goodger, who has played through a dislocated shoulder injury, insisted he could keep playing.
Kill said he was pleased with Peter Mortell's punting, noting that Mortell's initial punt, a 32-yarder, actually was partially blocked by offensive lineman Tommy Olson. Mortell finished with a 38.3-yard average on his three punts.
