Gopher Football Preview: Daniel Jackson green-lighted, Darius Taylor out for UNC game

Jackson makes return to running back rotation

Gophers running back Daniel Jackson has been medically cleared to play against North Carolina on Saturday, head coach P.J. Fleck announced Monday.

Jackson injured his left ankle in the Gophers’ season-opening win over New Mexico State on Sept. 3 and did not play in last week’s win over Colorado.

Taylor to miss game with left foot injury

Meanwhile, starting running back Darius Taylor will miss Saturday’s game against North Carolina with a left foot injury. Fleck said Taylor is “day-to-day” and could be available for the Gophers’ next game against Purdue on Sept. 24.

Taylor rushed for 182 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries in the Gophers’ first two games.

Jackson to see significant playing time

With Taylor out, Jackson is expected to see significant playing time against the Tar Heels. Jackson rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries in the season opener.

The Gophers also have running backs Trey Potts and Ky Thomas available.

Potts, Thomas to provide depth

Potts has rushed for 44 yards on 10 carries this season, while Thomas has rushed for 37 yards on eight carries.

The Gophers will need to get production from their running backs against a North Carolina defense that is allowing just 90.5 rushing yards per game.