With the Minnesota Gophers’ 2024 football season opener just weeks away—set for August 29 against the North Carolina Tar Heels—there’s growing anticipation for PJ Fleck’s program. A key to their success might be last year’s standout freshman, Darius Taylor.
Taylor, now a sophomore running back, made a significant impact in 2023 by earning three consecutive Big Ten Rookie of the Week honors before injuries sidelined him for much of the latter part of the season.
However, on Tuesday during an open practice, Taylor was seen limping off the field with a potential leg injury, as reported by Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press. Taylor was observed icing his left leg on the sidelines, but PJ Fleck reassured that the injury was not serious.
Updates: #Gophers star tailback Darius Taylor left Tuesday’s practice limping and then icing his left leg. Head coach PJ Fleck said it wasn’t serious issue. Top wideout Daniel Jackson has been limited for more than a week. Experienced safety Darius Green was active in practice.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) August 13, 2024
Despite Fleck’s optimism, Minnesota sports fans are wary due to recent experiences with injury reports, where minor issues often turned out to be more severe. The ongoing situation with Byron Buxton’s hip and recent events with JJ McCarthy have heightened skepticism.
Taylor, who rushed for 799 yards and nearly 150 receiving yards as a freshman, is expected to be a major offensive asset for the Gophers in 2024, provided he remains healthy.
