Minnesota star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. fell to the turf with an apparent leg injury on the opening series of Saturday’s road matchup with Maryland. He did not return, and the Golden Gophers proceeded to struggle mightily on the defensive side of the ball, losing in blowout fashion 42-13.

This marks the second consecutive season that Winfield Jr. was injured in the fourth game of the year … against Maryland. Now, Minnesota is desperately hoping this particular setback isn’t as detrimental as 2017’s season-ending hamstring injury.

Winfield’s impact and importance to the team is pretty obvious. The redshirt sophomore has 17 tackles this season, including one this past Saturday, with a game-saving interception in the win over Fresno State in Week 2. He also had a 76-yard punt return touchdown in the season-opening win over New Mexico State, while boasting Big Ten defensive and special teams player of the week honors the first two weeks of the season.

Without him on the field, the Gophers (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) gave up five touchdowns of over 20 yards. Maryland’s (3-1, 1-0) offense never even had to enter the red zone.

Minnesota will take the week off before getting Iowa at home on Oct. 6.