Minnesota will be without Darius Taylor today against Akron, a setback that comes after the star running back was already limited by a lower-body issue in last week’s loss to Mississippi State.
Taylor was not at full strength heading into that game, and he lasted only a couple of drives before Minnesota shut him down for the rest of the night. After the 38-13 defeat, PJ Fleck said Taylor was “day-to-day” entering the Akron week, which lined up with Pete Thamel’s report Saturday morning that Taylor would not play.
Sources: Minnesota will be without star running back Darius Taylor (lower body) against Akron today. He did a medical warm-up pregame and it was determined he won't play today. pic.twitter.com/XsJHfViAnn
- Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 19, 2026
The injury specifics still haven’t been revealed. Thamel’s update only identified it as a “lower body” issue, and Fleck didn’t offer any more detail after the Mississippi State game. Taylor stayed on the sideline in full pads after exiting, but he never returned.
That game was a rough one for Minnesota in more ways than one. The Gophers were trying to land what would have been the biggest non-conference, non-bowl win of the PJ Fleck era, and it was also the program’s first home game against an SEC opponent since 1959. Instead, Mississippi State controlled the night, with sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor and running back Fluff Bothwell putting constant pressure on Danny Collins’ defense with a fast pace Minnesota couldn’t handle.
Taylor’s production against the Bulldogs reflected how far off he was physically. After opening the season with three touchdowns against Eastern Illinois, he managed only six carries for 15 yards against Mississippi State and never looked right. Injuries have been an ongoing issue for him, even though his talent has never been in question.
With Taylor sidelined and freshman Ryan Estrada out for the year, Minnesota’s backfield against the Zips will fall to A.J. Turner and T.J.
Thomas. If the Gophers need another option, sophomore Xavier Ford would likely be next in line, unless the depth chart shifted during the week.
The timing also fits Minnesota’s larger picture. The Gophers open Big Ten play next weekend at Washington, and Fleck has every reason to be careful with one of his most important playmakers. Once conference play begins, teams will have regular injury reports during the week, making availability much easier to track.
In Other News...
Gophers May Have Found A Different Way To Win Without Darius Taylor
Minnesota found a different formula Saturday in a 41-7 win over Akron, one that leaned far less on the ground game than usual and far more on Drake Lindseys arm. With top running back Darius Taylor sidelined by injury, the Gophers spread the ball around and let Lindsey take charge, and he responded with 204 passing yards and three touchdowns in a performance that gave the offense a cleaner rhythm than the setting might have suggested.
The passing game was only part of the story. Minnesota also got a lift from special teams, which helped tilt field position with key returns and a fumble recovery, while Akron lost starting quarterback Sebastian Broughton to a knee injury along the way. For the Gophers, the broader question now is whether this was just a one-game adjustment or a glimpse at another way to win if Taylor is unavailable again. [Read more 🡒]
Tori McKinney Just Gave Gophers Fans Another Reason To Believe
Tori McKinney spent the week in international play doing what Minnesota fans have come to appreciate about her game: showing up on both ends and helping steady her team when the margin for error was thin. Team USA entered the 2026 Womens Under-23 3x3 FIBA World Cup as the fourth seed, worked through pool play and the bracket, and finished the job by beating Canada 15-10 to take gold.
For the Gophers, that kind of run matters well beyond the medal count. McKinneys value was evident throughout the tournament as a defensive presence and an offensive contributor, a combination that can translate well back home when Minnesota needs poise, versatility and a player willing to take on pressure moments. It is the sort of performance that gives a fan base another reason to keep believing in what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Gophers Got The Bounce-Back They Needed Before Big Ten Play
After a rough stretch, Minnesota got the kind of response it wanted by rolling past Akron 41-7 and heading toward Big Ten play with a little more momentum. Lindsey was efficient through the air, throwing for 204 yards and three touchdowns, while the ground game did enough to keep the offense balanced and on schedule.
TJ Thomas added the kind of burst that can change the feel of a game, breaking loose for a 71-yard touchdown as the Gophers piled up 191 rushing yards. Akrons early quarterback injury to Cibastian Broughton also altered the flow of the night, but Minnesota will mostly take away the bigger picture: a clean, decisive win at the right time, with conference play now waiting to test whether the bounce-back holds. [Read more 🡒]