Two days ago nobody thought Gophers wide receiver Derrick Engel would be capable of playing in Saturday’s border battle extravaganza against the Wisconsin Badgers.
Engel suffered what many called a “potentially serious knee injury” during practice. That’s how the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel phrased it in their “Book on Minnesota” preview.
Apparently the injury isn’t too debilitating. The Pioneer Press reports that Engel suited up and practiced on Wednesday. Will he be able to play on Saturday?
“I’ll let you know on Thursday,” head coach Jerry Kill said. “Out of respect, we’re preparing for a game. We don’t need anybody to know anything. But truly, honestly, he caught punts today, so we’ll see.”
Engel’s presence on the field would be mean a lot. He leads the Gophers in receptions (25), receiving yards (401) and receiving touchdowns (5).
If he’s unable to play, junior Isaac Fruechte and freshmen Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones will likely play in his place.
