Gophers' PJ Fleck on Mohamed Ibrahim: 'Keep him in your thoughts and prayers'
Mohamed Ibrahim, the all-time leading rusher in Minnesota Golden Gophers history, suffered a dislocated hip the first time he touched the ball in an NFL regular season game on Sunday.
It happened in the third quarter when Ibrahim returned a squib kick against the Ravens and he took a hard shot on the tackle. Ibrahim was down for a long time before he was ultimately taken off on the cart, with the rookie running back giving the crowd a thumbs-up on his way off the field.
His college coach, P.J. Fleck, said Monday that Ibrahim needs "thoughts and prayers" after his latest devastating injury.
"Also just want to send our thoughts and prayers out to Mohamed Ibrahim, obviously with what happened to him yesterday. Got a chance to FaceTime him, talk to him. He's doing OK. He's in really good spirts, which is good. When people get hurt, there's a lot of emotions that go through and the whys and what's next and things like that. If all of our fans would just keep him in your thoughts and prayers, that would be great. I know he could use your support right now," Fleck said.
"Especially first time he's touched the football in the National Football League. It's unfortunate because I think he's on his way. Sometimes we just don't know why, but things happen. It's football, so keep him in your thoughts and prayers."
Oct 22, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Detroit Lions running back Mohamed Ibrahim (35) raises his hands as he is carted off the field during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
“Mo’s in the hospital and he’s having surgery right now,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said after the 38-6 loss to the Ravens. “Sounds like he’ll be okay, but he’s going to stay here overnight. He’s tough. I hate that for him.”
Ibrahim played six seasons at the University of Minnesota (2017-2022). His junior season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and then after gashing the Ohio State Buckeyes for 163 yards in less than three quarters of the 2021 season opener he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. He returned in 2022 and set single-season records at Minnesota with 1,665 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
Ibrahim wasn't drafted but signed with the Lions this past summer before being injured and cut during training camp. He signed with Detroit's practice squad on Oct. 17 before being activated for Sunday's game.
