Gophers lose one running back for the season, starter for another week – InForum

The Gophers will be without their top running back for at least another week and a key backup for the rest of the season, according to the unavailability report for Saturday’s Big Ten opener against Rutgers.

The U listed No. 1 tailback Darius Taylor (hamstring) out for a second straight game, while reserve A.J. Turner (leg) is considered done for the season.

Without Taylor or Turner, Fame Ijeboi and Cam Davis shouldered the rushing load against Rutgers at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Ijeboi, a redshirt freshman, had 16 carries for 85 yards against Cal, while Davis, a transfer from Washington, had 15 totes for 44 yards. On the season, Ijeboi has averaged 5.9 yards on 23 carries, while Davis has 3.3 on 21 carries and one touchdown.

Taylor was injured in the 66-0 home rout of Northwestern State on Sept. 6; he has been the Gophers’ most dynamic runner and pass catcher coming out of the backfield. He has 166 yards rushing and 45 yards receiving in a game-plus this year.

Turner, a transfer from Marshall, appeared to injure his knee in the 27-14 loss to California on Sept. 14. He needed help off the field and didn’t return in Berekely, Calif. Billed as a big-play threat after transferring in from Marshall, he had 16 carries for 64 yards and one touchdown across three games.

Turner, who came into the season with two years of eligibility remaining, would be a candidate for a medical redshirt, but the NCAA is considering changing that policy and instead permit student-athletes to participate in up to five seasons of competition during their first 10 semesters or 15 quarters of full-time enrollment.

Safety Garrison Monroe, who played in the first three games, was the most notable other player to miss the Rutgers game.