When linebacker Cody Lindenberg injured his leg at the end of training camp in August, Gophers coordinator Joe Rossi knew there would be elements of a “void” in the middle of his defense to start the season.

Maverick Baranowski and Devon Williams had a combined zero starts entering the season. Baranowski, a redshirt freshman, had played zero collegiate snaps at the position, while Williams, a redshirt sophomore, had fewer than 25 in a backup role last season.

But Baranowski and Williams got more comfortable and vocal in their roles as the first half of the season progressed. Their play improved, especially for Williams in the 12-10 rivalry win over Iowa on Oct. 21.

Then Lindenberg made his season debut in last Saturday’s 27-12 victory over Michigan State. The Ramsey, Minn., native started and added three tackles on a limited snap count of 39.

“The cool thing I found is now those (younger) guys have been working for a couple months and (have been) becoming more comfortable with their voice,” Rossi said Wednesday. “Then you have Cody, inject him back in, and it was different. Because those guys had grown a little bit and it was better. It was good to see. It was good to have him back.”

Lindenberg should have a larger role when Minnesota (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) plays Illinois (3-5, 1-4) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Rossi said there are two primary reasons why the return of Lindenberg serves as a jolt for the stretch run of the season.

No. 1: He is an all-Big Ten-level player.

“One of the best guys in the conference at his position,” Rossi said.

No. 2: At middle linebacker, he is integral in communication of the calls and checks for the rest of the defense.

“He helps us with his football IQ,” Rossi said. “If we had Madden (video game), his … awareness rating would be in the high 90s.”

Lindenberg’s leg injury came right before the Gophers’ season opener against Nebraska on Aug. 31. Then there was some form of setback in his recovery. He appeared to warm up before the North Carolina loss on Sept. 16, but remained questionable on the status report for the next month.

“It was tough, getting that understanding of this is going to take a little longer,” Lindenberg said. “I’m not going to be able to get out there as fast as I would have hoped. But it’s just keeping your head down and keep working and giving back to the other guys.”

Lindenberg said he leaned on conversations with head coach P.J. Fleck, Rossi and Mariano Sori-Marin, a former U linebacker turned defensive analyst.

When he wasn’t in the training room, Lindenberg was mentally preparing as if he was going to play each week, so he could be there for Baranowski and Williams when they got to the sideline during games. He would ask the newer linebackers what they had just seen on the field during the previous series.

“I pride myself on being there and knowing the game plan,” Lindenberg said. “See what I was able to see out there and be able to have an answer for them if they need something in that moment.”

Lindenberg saw a resolve in Baranowski and Williams when they took their lumps in early games this season.

“The toughest part is when you are getting in that down (point) and you have a choice of whether or not you are going to get yourself out of it and if you are going to give your 100 percent every day,” Lindenberg said. “…  Those guys don’t quit. I can’t be more proud of the way they’ve grown through this entire year. You’ve seen these guys get better and better.”

Lindenberg, who will have a legitimate shot at the NFL, wants to stay around sports once his playing days are done. With his recent experience, coaching might be in the cards.

Rossi has seen a drastic difference in how Lindenberg leads compared to some others.

“There are people that hold people accountable, and there are people that do it in a way that creates resentment,” Rossi said. “There are people that do it in a way where it is received well. It’s like (they feel), ‘I disappointed him.’ That is how Cody is. He doesn’t cause resentment with players whenever he gets after someone.”

Lindenberg is set to graduate in the spring with a kinesiology degree. One plan is to go to grad school to study sports medicine, a path he sought after suffering a season-ending injury during his second year in 2021.

“I had that surgery and spent a lot of time — even this injury now — with the training staff and (assistant athletic trainer) Joe Wisniewski,” he said. “… They helped me grow a passion for (it and) our program, in general. It’s giving back to others.”

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