Kill's back, but he's missing several key players

MarQueis Gray, wearing a boot on sprained ankle, is among six prominent offensive players who might not play at Wisconsin

October 16, 2012 at 9:10PM
Gophers coach Jerry Kill
Gophers coach Jerry Kill (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

It's not their coach's health that the Gophers should worry about this weekend.
Jerry Kill conducted his Tuesday press conference as normal on Tuesday, and though the university's public-relations staff cut the appearance short by about half before he could address his recovery from Saturday's seizure, the coach said on the Big Ten conference call that he is "back to work and going full speed."
But several Gophers starters aren't able to go full speed this week.
Most notable is quarterback MarQueis Gray, who is wearing a boot on his left ankle and had difficulty jogging on Tuesday. With another sprained left ankle, his condition is similar to what it was during the team's bye week, when the coach said Gray would not be able to play. His status for Saturday's game at Wisconsin is uncertain.
Left tackle Ed Olson is "likely out" for the game, however, after suffering a knee injury during Saturday's loss to Northwestern. Safety Derrick Wells has a laceration on his knee, and his status is undetermined.
And three receivers -- Devin Crawford-Tufts, Isaac Fruechte and Marcus Jones are all "questionable" as well, Kill said, with Crawford-Tufts' injury the most serious.
That's a serious talent drain for the Gophers' offense, which has not scored more than 17 points in a game since Sept. 15.

about the writer

about the writer

Phil Miller

Reporter

Phil Miller has covered the Twins for the Minnesota Star Tribune since 2013. Previously, he covered the University of Minnesota football team, and from 2007-09, he covered the Twins for the Pioneer Press.

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