Gophers will be without two contributors in the secondary against Purdue

Minnesota is relatively healthy heading into Week 7 against Purdue.

Sep 13, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Mark Hamper (15) cannot hold onto a pass in front of Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Mike Gerald (13) during the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The Gophers head into the Week 7 game against Purdue relatively healthy, but they will be without defensive backs Aidan Gousby and Mike Gerald.

INJURY REPORT: The Gophers' secondary remains a little banged up tonight against Purdue.

Aidan Gousby (171 snaps), Mike Gerald (59 snaps), and Naiim Parrish (22 snaps) are the notable players out against the Boilermakers. pic.twitter.com/1uNFLU7JC5

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) October 11, 2025

Gousby will miss his second straight game, which could mean an expanded role for Garrison Monroe, who was out last week against Ohio State. Gousby has played 171 defensive snaps this season, 62 of which have came in the box, 30 at slot cornerback and 79 at free safety.

Monroe has played a similar role for 34 total defensive snaps this season. Minnesota could also lean more on veterans like Darius Green and Jai'Onte McMillan in the secondary, who have a similar skillset.

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Gerald has received more work at outside cornerback in the last three weeks with 17 snaps against Cal, 37 against Rutgers and five against Ohio State. The redshirt freshman looked to working into the rotation, but Minnesota will now lean more on Za'Quan Bryan and John Nestor against the Boilermakers. NC Central transfer Jaylen Bowden is likely the third option at outside cornerback with true freshman Naiim Parrish also out on Saturday.

Purdue has proven itself as a solid passing team all season, with 284.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 23rd-best in the country. Minnesota's secondary will have another solid test on Saturday without much depth.