Gophers football: Who’s in and who’s out against No. 24 lllinois?

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Gophers will be without starting left guard Tyler Cooper against No. 24 Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Cooper had started all eight games this season, but played only 37 snaps in the 48-23 home win over Maryland last Saturday.

Tony Nelson, who stepped in against the Terrapins, is a likely candidate to start at left guard against the Illini. The redshirt sophomore has played sparingly across six games, but had a season-high 23 snaps last weekend.

Receiver Cristian Driver, who missed the Maryland game, was not listed on the unavailable list, indicating he is available to play Saturday. He has six receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown this season.

The Gophers will also be without its third cornerback Zaquon Bryan, safety Darius Green and two tight ends Pierce Walsh and Nathan Jones.

Defensive end Jah Joyner and safety Aidan Gousby, who left during the last drive of the Maryland game, were not listed on the U’s report two hours before kickoff against Illinois.