Gophers update: Campion returns to practice; Rodney Smith's role to expand

Josh Campion has returned to practice after missing last week's TCU game with lingering concussion symptoms, coach Jerry Kill said. But starting left tackle Ben Lauer (knee injury) remains out.

September 8, 2015 at 6:55PM
Minnesota's Josh Campion
Minnesota's Josh Campion (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Gophers coach Jerry Kill had good news and bad news on the health front with the offensive line Tuesday.

Josh Campion has returned to practice after missing last week's TCU game with lingering concussion symptoms, Kill said. But starting left tackle Ben Lauer (knee injury) remains out.

Kill said the Gophers likely will stick with Jonah Pirsig at left tackle, with Campion and Foster Bush at right tackle.

Senior safety Damarius Travis limped off the field after the TCU game. Kill said, "We'll see" if Travis is ready to play at Colorado State. Kill also said WR Isaiah Gentry has resumed running but has yet to be full go at practice with his hamstring injury.

Smith's role to increase

After rushing 16 times for 88 yards against TCU, redshirt freshman Rodney Smith is likely to see his role increase.

"He's the only back I've had in a long time that played 46 plays, and he graded out perfect, never made a mistake," Kill said. "Not in pass protection, not running the ball, no mental errors. ... So I'd say he needs to play more."

about the writer

about the writer

Joe Christensen

Sports team leader

Joe Christensen, a Minnesota Star Tribune sports team leader, graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent 15 years covering Major League Baseball, including stops at the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Baltimore Sun. He joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2005 and spent four years covering Gophers football.

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