Gophers Missing 20 Players and 3 Staff Members vs Purdue

The Minnesota Gophers are set to kickoff tonight against the Purdue Boilermakers at 6:30. Between injuries and COVID-19, we are now finding out they will be short 20 players when it happens. That’s not to mention multiple members on the coaching staff, including OL Coach Brian Callahan.

Source: Minnesota football will be without 20 players tonight against Purdue, as it continues to deal with COVID-19 and injuries. They will also be without multiple staff members, including OL coach Brian Callahan.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 20, 2020

We’re yet to find out who will be missing on the field, but will update this blog when those names start coming out (below). It’s important to remember the Big Ten’s 21-day absence policy if any player tests positive for COVID-19. A team doesn’t have to have one big outbreak to have 20 players sidelined.

For example: someone who hasn’t been positive for two weeks, has nothing to do with someone who just tested positive for the first time today. According to Big Ten policy, however, neither player can participate in games.

In a statement to media, the University of Minnesota has confirmed that three coaches, including Callahan, will not be available.

Minnesota’s Brian Callahan Will Not Coach Tonight

University of Minnesota offensive line coach Brian Callahan has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not coach tonight when Minnesota hosts Purdue.

Callahan tested positive during one of Minnesota’s daily antigen testing periods this week and his diagnosis was confirmed with a follow-up PCR test. Upon diagnosis, he immediately returned home and started his isolation process while working remotely.

Two additional members of Minnesota’s staff also tested positive for COVID-19 during the team’s daily antigen testing this week.

In Callahan’s absence, Minnesota’s Director of Player Development Norries Wilson will coach the offensive line tonight.

University of Minnesota Statement

Update:

Not dressed but on sidelines I've spied for the #Gophers: Benjamin St-Juste, Braelen Oliver, Ali Sad, Jimmy Buck, Itayvion Brown, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Curtis Dunlap Jr. Others from @jgkfan on the radio: Keonte Schad, Rashad Cheney Jr., Clay Geary, Michael Dixon, Treyson Potts.

— Megan Ryan (@theothermegryan) November 20, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan