Gophers Down Multiple Running Backs vs Rutgers

Saturday morning the Minnesota Gophers take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. It’s a big game for P.J. Fleck and company for multiple reasons. His squad dropped the contest last season in New Jersey, and it’s the return of quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis to Dinkytown.

Minnesota is coming off a game against Cal that they should have won. The offense couldn’t get things going and star defensive back Koi Perich put up his first clunker of his career.

The Gophers are slight 3.5 point home favorites, but they’ll need to win without their top two running backs.

Taylor and Turner out for Minnesota Gophers

It was expected that Minnesota could be without star running back Darius Taylor. He didn’t play against the Cal Golden Bears. Unfortunately his replacement, A.J. Turner, suffered an injury in that game and is out as well.

Sources: Minnesota will be without star running back Darius Taylor (leg) against Rutgers today, as he’ll miss a second-straight game. The back who was set to replace him in the Cal game last week, A.J. Turner, is also out after an injury early in that game. pic.twitter.com/jzXGkx5emC

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 27, 2025

Against Cal, Fame Ijeboi (16) and Cam Davis (15) led the Gophers backfield. That should be expected to continue on Saturday against Rutgers. Ijeboi rushed for 85 yards while Davis turned in 44 but had a touchdown.

Earlier this week 247 Sports’ Ryan Burns talked about the running back situation on Gopher Gridiron Radio. Fleck wasn’t willing to disclose the status of his running backs at the time, but we now know both top options are out.

It has been 21 days since Taylor suffered a hamstring injury against Northwestern State. Last season he returned 25 days after he had a hamstring injury. Minnesota is going to error on the side of caution in order to make sure he returns at 100%.

Here’s the play Darius Taylor went down on. pic.twitter.com/YG72uKcmdx

— Ted (@tlschwerz) September 6, 2025

Burns suggests that Taylor could even sit against Ohio State next week if it gives him a clean slate to finish the season. Although Fleck hasn’t said anything, Burns said he believes Turner’s injury could be a “season-long one.” The Gophers have since confirmed that Turner is done for the year.

Turner transferred to Minnesota after accumulating 864 yards on 8.3 yards per carry last season with Marshall. He was supposed to be a dynamic option along with Taylor, and at worst his insurance policy. Losing him for the rest of the year is a significant blow.

The lack of top running backs means it’s time for someone to step up. The Gophers have a seemingly-capable quarterback in Drake Lindsey, and the skill position players need to support him. Minnesota is just 2-7 without Darius Taylor in the lineup, and that’s again something they’ll need to overcome on Saturday.

Kickoff is set for 11 am at Huntington Bank Stadium.