Two potential starting CBs among 11 ruled out in Gophers' season opener

Minnesota's cornerback room will be thin on Thursday night against Buffalo.

Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Darius Green (12) celebrates a fumble recovery against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Gophers' cornerback room will be without two potential starters for their season opener on Thursday night against Buffalo.

INJURY REPORT: Projected starting nickel CB Darius Green and potential rotational outside CB Mike Gerald are among 11 total Gophers ruled OUT for today's game against Buffalo.

Another nickel CB option, Jai'Onte McMillan, is questionable. https://t.co/VFFSSRvT4g pic.twitter.com/u4DEM6p45x

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) August 28, 2025

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Veteran defensive back Darius Green seemingly earned the starting nickel cornerback role in preseason camp, but he will miss Thursday's game. Redshirt freshman Mike Gerald worked with the starters at times during camp as an outside corner, and he'll also be out agains the Bulls. Jai'Onte McMillan is the obvious fill-in for Green, after playing 160 snaps in the slot last season, but he's also questionable.

Minnesota's cornerback room has a lot of questions heading into the season, and they'll be tested in Week 1 against Buffalo's top wide receiver, Victor Snow, who plays in the slot. The outside cornerback room will look towards Za'Quan Bryan, John Nestor and Jaylen Bowden. Safety Aidan Gousby is a candidate to see more time as a nickel option with Green and McMillan banged up.

Christian Driver, Mo Omonode and Theorin Randle are among other significant players out, but they missed the majority of preseason camp due to injury.