New Gophers forward Frank Mitchell dislocated his right shoulder in the exhibition win over Hamline on Oct. 29, but it appears the transfer from Canisius will not be a long-term absence.

“He will probably be week to week,” head coach Ben Johnson said Tuesday. “Now, it’s seeing how much strength he can get back in the shoulder. We’ll see where he’s at next week.”

Mitchell, a projected starter, will be out for the season opener against Oral Roberts at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Williams Arena.

Michell’s absence will likely be filled by Parker Fox and Kadyn Betts, but Johnson noted the absence of the 6-foot-8, 260-pound Mitchell might come at a good time against smaller nonconference opponents.

The Gophers did get good injury news this week. Guard Femi Odukale, a transfer from New Mexico State, is expected to play against Oral Roberts. He missed the two exhibition games with a hip issue.

Guard Lu’Cye Patterson (shoulder) had missed the first exhibition against Bemidji State on Oct. 19, but the Charlotte transfer played against Hamline.

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