Status for Minnesota WR Chris Autman-Bell revealed for season opener

Chris Autman-Bell’s status for Minnesota’s season opener has been in question for some time now, and his final status was revealed Thursday evening.

Autman-Bell was expected to be the primary receiver for the Gophers heading into 2021. The senior has over 1,200 yards in his career and is the leading returning receiver from the 2020 team after 430 yards in 7 games.

Unfortunately, Autman-Bell has been battling a lower-body injury during camp. His status has been progressing and the hope is that Autman-Bell will still play a key role throughout the 2021 season.

In the end, Autman-Bell is suited up for Thursday’s contest against the Buckeyes. That will hopefully be a big boost as the Gophers look to hang with one of the best teams in the country.

Unfortunately, Autman-Bell’s status was confirmed to be OUT for Thursday’s game. Despite warming up for the contest, he switched out of pads for the coin toss and will not play in the season opener.

Official: #Gophers top receiver Chris Autman-Bell is OUT vs. #Buckeyes. While CrAB was dressed to play in pregame warmups, he changed into sweatpants for the coin toss, which the U won and elected to receive

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) September 3, 2021

News: #Gophers top receiver Chris Autman-Bell (ankle) IS suited up to play #Buckeyes. We’ll see how good he looks in warmups

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) September 2, 2021

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.