Gophers will be without veteran RB Darius Taylor against Akron
· Yahoo Sports
Minnesota will be without veteran running back Darius Taylor against Akron in Week 3, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Saturday morning. He will miss the game with a “lower body” injury, according to the social media post.
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Sources: Minnesota will be without star running back Darius Taylor (lower body) against Akron today. He did a medical warm-up pregame and it was determined he won’t play today. pic.twitter.com/XsJHfViAnn
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 19, 2026
Taylor has battled injuries throughout his four-year college career, and he was limited ot just 14 offensive snaps against Mississippi State in Week 2. As 23-point betting favorites against Akron, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Minnesota is taking a cautious approach with its running back’s health. It’s clearly an ongoing problem that Minnesota’s rushing game has faced throughout Taylor’s career.
Sep 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Eastern Illinois Panthers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Elon transfer TJ Thomas has operated as Minnesota’s No. 2 running back all season with 16 total touches for 114 total yards through two games. Former Marshall transfer A.J. Turner made his season debut against Mississippi State, and second-year back Xavier Ford has five carries for 22 yards and one touchdown this season. It’s fair to assume that all three players will see plenty of work against the Zips.
Taylor will look to get healthy before Minnesota opens Big Ten play in Week 4 on the road at Washington.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Sep 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.