Chris Autman-Bell Leg Injury Isn’t a Long-Term Thing; Timetable Described as “Week to Week” by PJ Fleck

Minnesota Gophers football players, coaches and about 1000 fans who were watching open practice last Thursday night at Huntington Bank Stadium, all held their collective breath when WR1 Chris Autman-Bell was taken off the field with what appeared to be a serious leg injury. No update was given over the weekend.

But the Gophers have another open practice and media session this afternoon/evening. It started with KFAN Radio broadcasting their 3PM to 6PM hours from Athletes Village on the U of M campus, overlooking the football practice fields this afternoon. PJ Fleck was on the air with Justin Gaard shortly after the show kicked off. He gave an update on Autman-Bell that may finally allow Gopher Nation to breathe the sigh of relief they’ve been holding for 3 days.

Fleck called the injury “not a long term issue” and described his time-table as “week to week”. On Twitter, I called it a knee injury but was quickly corrected by Darren Wolfson and others. Does that mean it’s something else (an ankle)? Maybe, but I have no insider knowledge and nothing’s been reported or made official, that I’ve seen.

Sure it's a knee issue?

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 16, 2021

Let’s hope CRAB’s timetable on the lighter side of “week to week” because Minnesota needs him healthy for their season opener vs Ohio State on September 2. I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit, too. It’s also a massive game for the trajectory of his own career.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan