An uphill climb for Minnesota has gotten exponentially steeper for P.J. Fleck‘s crew.
The head coach confirmed Monday that Minnesota will be down four starters for this Saturday’s game against surging Michigan State. The secondary will be particularly hard hit as safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (hamstring) and cornerback Kiondre Thomas (leg) will be sidelined.
Additionally, wide receiver Phillip Howard (head) and offensive tackle Nick Connelly (leg) have already been ruled out as well.
Winfield sustained his injury in the Week 5 loss to Maryland and didn’t play in last Saturday’s loss to Purdue as well. The other three starters suffered their respective injuries in the loss to the Boilermakers.
For the season, Howard’s six receptions for 62 yards are fifth and sixth, respectively, on the Gophers this season.
