Minnesota Golden Gophers offensive guard Tyler Cooper will miss Saturday’s game against the Illinois Fighting Illini after being listed as out on the team’s availability report.
Cooper has started for the Gophers at left guard over the past two seasons and is Minnesota’s highest-graded guard (68.3) according to Pro Football Focus. The Gophers will especially miss Cooper in pass protection as he’s allowed seven pressures on 267 pass-blocking snaps this season.
The Pioneer Press’s Andy Greder predicted that Tony Nelson would take Cooper’s place after seeing extensive action in last week’s win over Maryland. But Nelson has just a 12.7 grade in pass protection and allowed two pressures on 15 pass-blocking snaps this year.
Related: Gophers to face a healthy Illinois squad on Saturday
The Gophers will also be short-handed in the secondary with cornerback Za’Quan Bryan and safety Darius Green listed as out. Tight ends Pierce Walsh and Nathan Jones were also listed out on the final availability report.