The Gophers secondary continues to be the position group hit hardest by injuries so far this season.
Minnesota’s unavailability report listed top cornerback John Nestor as questionable to play against No. 25 Nebraska on Friday night at Huntington Bank Stadium. Cornerback Mike Gerald and safety Garrison Monroe are listed as out, according to the U. They have been out for multiple weeks.
A shortage of defensive backs might be a bigger problem against dynamic Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola. The sophomore signal caller has completed 73% of his passes for 16 touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
Two pieces of good news: redshirt junior safety Aidan Gousby and true freshman cornerback Naiim Parrish missed last week’s game but were not listed on the unavailability report Friday, setting up the option Gousby, and possibly Parrish, to play.
Nestor has played 90% of defensive snaps this season and leads the team with three interceptions and five pass-breakups. He is fourth with 21 total tackles.
With Gerald out against Purdue, Nestor played 81 of 88 snaps, Za’Quan Bryan played 64 and Jai’Onte McMillan — usually a nickel back and safety — stepped in to play 48 snaps at cornerback.
The Gophers also listed these players as out: linebacker Jeff Roberson, defensive lineman Theo Randle, offensive lineman DJ Shopp, receiver Cristian Driver, running back Tre Berry and kicker Sam Henson.
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