Gophers Myrick Likely Out For Season With Rib Injury
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gophers cornerback Jalen Myrick was released from a Columbus, Ohio, hospital on Tuesday and will likely miss the rest of the season after being hospitalized with a rib injury sustained during Saturday's loss at Ohio State.
Myrick, a junior, had 26 tackles in nine games this season and led the Gophers with three interceptions.
"I was told three to four weeks and he should be back to OK, as far as his lung and that goes," interim coach Tracy Claeys said. "By all likelihood, he's going to be done for the rest of the season."
Minnesota has three games remaining, beginning with a game at No. 8 Iowa this weekend.
Myrick was injured early during Saturday's 28-14 loss. Myrick stayed in the game and had one tackle and combined Briean Boddy-Calhoun on a sack of Cardale Jones before missing the second half.
Myrick was replaced by freshman KiAnte Hardin, who had five tackles in the game.
"I thought KiAnte Hardin the other night stepped in and did a great job," Claeys said. "We'll just take the next healthy one, throw him in there and go. It's been a weird season as far as that goes. But at the same time, our kids, they've answered the bell and haven't used it as excuses and continue to compete."
The Gophers have had 22 players on the two-deep depth chart miss a combined 81 games this season, including 12 starters who've missed at least one game.
Minnesota's top two running backs, Rodney Smith (ankle) and Shannon Brooks (shoulder), are also dealing with injuries. Claeys said Smith, who has a team-leading 574 yards rushing, and Brooks, who's added 384 yards rushing, would be evaluated as they practice this week.
Claeys also said senior Rodrick Williams, who has just 29 carries this season, could be involved against Iowa.
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