Chris Autman-Bell leaves action vs. Illinois following scary fall

Minnesota is trying to mount a second-half comeback vs. unranked Illinois, and the Gophers might have to pull it off without their best receiver.

Early in the second half, wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell skied high in the air to try and haul in a throw from quarterback Tanner Morgan. He was unable to haul it in, hitting the turf hard as he came down. During the fall, the back of Autman-Bell’s helmet slammed hard into the turf.

Training staff attended to Autman-Bell while he stayed down for a while. He would eventually be helped off the field on his feet but is likely to get checked out further before a potential return.

Autman-Bell had 1 catch for 24 yards before the injury as Minnesota’s offense continues to struggle to get going.

***UPDATE***

Autman-Bell has since been reported out for the remainder of the game vs. Illinois. He did not have his helmet after coming out of the injury tent.

OUT. #Gophers

Receiver Chris Autman-Bell won't return to play Illinois on Saturday, @jgkfan reported.

CrAB spent roughy eight minutes in the injury tent, and didn't have his helmet when he exited. He hit ground and an Illini defender hard after not catching a deep ball

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) November 6, 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.