Gophers coach Jerry Kill didn’t announce quarterback Mitch Leidner will start on Saturday – but he did say he expects Leidner to practice on Tuesday.
According to the Pioneer Press, Leidner suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) during the fourth quarter of the Gophers’ 35-24 win over Middle Tennessee State on Saturday.
“He’s a tough son of a gun,” Kill told reporters on Tuesday.
But even with Leidner’s toughness Kill said he will be limited in practice.
Jerry Kill said QB Mitch Leidner, who has MCL injury, will practice Tuesday and hopefully play Saturday. #Gophers http://t.co/efwbGJDqwH
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) September 9, 2014
If Leidner is unable to play, freshman Chris Streveler, who finished Saturday’s game, will get the start.
According to 1500 ESPN, Kill said the team has given Streveler reps in practice anyway, and that will continue this week. Kill says the freshman has done a nice job when they have needed him.
“He’s executed well, he can really run. He’s got great speed. He’s developed as a quarterback but it’s not like having a junior or a senior,” Kill said. “That’s part of college football – biggest thing in this game is you’ve got to stay healthy.”
Kill said the game plan won’t change either way. He said both quarterbacks are capable of running the same offense.
#Gophers TE Maxx Williams sounds convinced QB Mitch Leidner will play Saturday. "He's one of the toughest kids I've ever met."
— Tyler Mason (@tylermason21) September 9, 2014
