Sports

Gophers' Star Wide Receiver To Have Season-Ending Injury

​The undefeated Gophers crushed Colorado on Saturday, 49 to 7, but Autman-Bell suffered a non-contact injury.

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Minnesota wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell is checked on by athletic trainers and head coach P.J. Fleck after a lower leg injury during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis.
Minnesota wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell is checked on by athletic trainers and head coach P.J. Fleck after a lower leg injury during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Golden Gophers' star wide receiver, Chris Autman-Bell, suffered a season-ending lower leg injury on Saturday and will undergo surgery, coach P.J. Fleck has announced Monday.

The undefeated Gophers crushed Colorado, 49 to 7, but Autman-Bell fell to the ground after a non-contact injury in the second quarter that happened while he was catching a pass.

Autman-Bell's injury happened after he caught a touchdown pass.

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Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck celebrates with quarterback Tanner Morgan and wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell (7) after Autman-Bell caught a touchdown pass against Colorado during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

The Gophers will seek a seventh year from the NCAA for Autman-Bell. However, he may decide to end his college career and declare for the NFL draft.

Recent Gophers now playing in the NFL include Antione Winfield Jr. (Buccaneers), Carter Coughlin (Giants), Roshod Bateman (Ravens), Daniel Faalele (Ravens), and Tyler Johnson (Texans).

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The Gophers went 3-0 in non-conference play. They open Big Ten on the road Saturday against the 2-1 Michigan State Spartans.

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