Gophers coach Tracy Claeys said Tuesday that the team's four suspended players -- KiAnte Hardin, Ray Buford, Dior Johnson and Tamarion Johnson -- have been reinstated and will return to practice today.
Claeys was careful not to speculate much on how much, if any, they'll be able to play Saturday against Iowa. On his weekly KFAN (100.3-FM) show, Claeys noted that the four players haven't been playing football for the past four weeks.
The players were suspended for a violation of team rules. They were part of an investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department. On Monday, Hennepin County announced that it had reviewed the evidence and declined to file any charges.
After the lengthy suspensions, it will take the players time to get back to game speed. Meanwhile, the Gophers continue to have injury issues at the cornerback spot, where Hardin and Buford are two of their top players.
This week's injury report lists Zo Craighton and Coney Durr as out. The Gophers again list Jalen Myrick and Antonio Shenault as their starters at cornerback, with Kiondre Thomas and Eric Amoako as the backups.
Also listed as out on the injury report are Ace Rogers, Duke McGhee, Cody Poock, Alex Starks, Brandon Lingen, Rashad Still and Tai'yon Devers.
Claeys said Still (broken clavicle), Vincent Calhoun (toe) and Carter Coughlin (elbow) will all practice this week, but he's not sure if they'll be able to play.
