The Gophers’ two best offensive skill players were not on the field to end Tuesday’s practice.

Star tailback Darius Taylor injured his leg on a deep pass from quarterback Drake Lindsey during a 7-on-7 drill. The sophomore stayed down for spell, limped to the sideline, was assessed by athletic trainers and watched most of the rest of practice with an ice pack on his left hamstring.

“The good thing is it’s nothing serious,” head coach P.J. Fleck said. “With our trainers, they are going to obviously keep evaluating (Taylor), but he’s had a great camp up until now. He’s done a really good job, so we will see what they say.”

Taylor had a strong start to his freshman season, but missed seven games due to injury.

No. 1 receiver Daniel Jackson has missed more than a week of practice of fall camp with an undisclosed injury. He also was sidelined when media members attended practice Aug. 6.

“Trainers have decided to hold (Jackson) out a few extra days,” Fleck said. “They have the call on that, so (I) feel great about where he is at. He will be back here soon.”

The Gophers got a dose of good news in the injury front, with veteran safety Darius Green returning to practice. After missing the start of camp with an off-the-field issue, he lit up running back Jordan Nubin during on team period.

“It was really good to get Darius Green back in the mix,” Fleck said. “… You could feel him and see him. He made his presence felt pretty quickly.”

The Gophers will soon enter preparations for North Carolina and Fleck, who doesn’t often share much on injuries, isn’t expected to open the book on the status of two key playmakers when he next speaks to reporters on Monday.

The Gophers also had a handful of other players out, including potential starting receiver Cristian Driver.

Speaking urgency

Fleck reminded his players the season opener at Huntington Bank Stadium is right around the corner in 16 days.

“Two weeks!” Fleck shouted into the microphone. “We got two (expletive) weeks!”

Brosmer’s good and bad

During a 7-on-7 drill in the red zone, quarterback Max Brosmer produced a mixed bag. He threw a nice touchdown to Elijah Spencer on a corner route in the back of the end zone (with Ethan Robinson in coverage) and hit Tyler Williams on a short crossing route (with Jaionte McMillan in pursuit).

But on his other two plays, the New Hampshire transfer bobbled a snap and had to intentionally throw the ball out of bounds.

Koi coming up?

No. 1 in-state recruit Koi Perich continued to make plays Tuesday. He had a pass-breakup on tight end Jacob Simpson that earned a “great job, Koi!” from Fleck.

But Fleck continues to downplay what kind of impact the Esko, Minn., safety/special teams player might have this fall. Besides returner, Perich was also included in punt block schemes Tuesday. He also had a smooth return down the left sideline.

“I think it’s really early when you are talking about true freshmen,” Fleck said. “I think it’s all about how their bodies handle the next few weeks. It’s really difficult (enrolling) here in June and making a huge impact as a true freshman. It’s just hard.”

Briefly

Linebacker Tyler Stolsky has received praise for multiple big plays from Fleck during previous open practices, but on Tuesday, Fleck criticized him for getting into a tussle with a teammate. … Defensive end Danny Striggow dropped into coverage, intercepted Virginia Tech transfer quarterback Dylan Wittke and had a big return for a touchdown. Fleck gave him a low-five, and Jah Joyner dished out a hug. … Jalen Logan-Redding had a sack during a team period. D-line coach Winston DeLattiboudere mobbed him. … The Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons had representatives at Tuesday’s practice.

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