The Gophers secondary will be shorthanded against Iowa on Saturday night at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Top Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley and starting safety Aidan Gousby were ruled out, according to the U’s unavailable list posted two hours before the 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

Walley injured his right knee toward the beginning of the 27-0 win over Nevada last week, while Gousby was favoring his arm after a collision late in against the Wolf Pack.

Walley, a senior, has not missed a game in his collegiate career, while Gousby is in his first extended playing time this season. The third-year safety is second on the team with 138 snaps.

The Hawkeyes offense, meanwhile, has struggled to throw, ranking 106th in the nation at 176 yards per game.

Za’Quan Bryan is expected to step in for Walley; the redshirt freshman has played 71 snaps this season, including early against North Carolina in the season opener.

The Gophers’ safeties have rotated this season, with Kerry Brown, Coleman Bryson and Darius Green in the mix. True freshman Koi Perich, who has played 21 snaps this season, could see a bigger role.

Both Gousby and Walley have an interception on the season. Walley has eight tackles and Gousby six.

The Gophers listed five other players out: tight end Pierce Walsh, defensive linemen Theorin Randle and Jaylin Hicks, running back Kadean Johnson and defensive back Jordan Greenhow. Defensive lineman Logan Richter was deemed questionable.

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