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Gophers receive encouraging injury update ahead of Iowa matchup
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- Gophers receive encouraging injury update ahead of Iowa matchup
The initial availability report for this week's game between Iowa and Minnesota was released Wednesday, and the Gophers received some relatively positive news.
Versatile offensive lineman Jaden Ball is listed as questionable after missing the last two games. He started at left guard for Minnesota against Washington, but he was replaced in the lineup by Tennessee transfer Bennett Warren against Michigan and Purdue.
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Whether Minnesota leans on Ball, whose traditional position is guard, or Warren, who has filled in with Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades of 55.4 and 49.6 in his two starts out of position, will be worth monitoring. Ball had a grade of 40.4 against the Huskies, so there might not be a clear answer. Either way, Ball could give them some much-needed depth along the offensive line.
Interior defensive lineman Riley Sunram is also questionable after leaving the Purdue game with what looked like it could be a significant arm injury. He has played a career-high 126 snaps this season, recording 10 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and four QB pressures. Minnesota needs all the help it can get in the front seven against Iowa, so getting Sunram healthy would be huge.
Tight end Pierce Walsh's 197 offensive snaps are the most by a Gophers tight end this season, and he has six catches for 47 yards and one touchdown. Minnesota has depth at the position, but his questionable tag is certainly one to monitor.
None of the Gophers' players listed as out are new additions compared with the Purdue game. Nick Spence is a depth piece along the offensive line, and kickoff specialist Beckham Sunderland was also listed as probable for the Purdue game. The Ball and Sunram news is positive, and the Walsh tag is new. There are zero surprises on the Iowa side.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
