Minnesota receiver Chris Autman-Bell has been upgraded to “day-to-day” after suffering a leg injury earlier this month.

This is big news for the Golden Gophers, who face Ohio State at home in less than two weeks. Autman-Bell is expected to be Minnesota’s top receiver this season.

Autman-Bell has put up good numbers so far in his Minnesota career despite being overshadowed by Rashod Bateman. He has 78 career catches for 1,250 yards and 6 touchdowns across three seasons for the Gophers.

Autman-Bell also averaged a team-best 19.5 yards per catch last season. He’s a key target for returning quarterback Tanner Morgan, who is hoping to make a big improvement in 2021.

Last season, Morgan completed just 57.9 percent of his passes and threw 7 touchdowns in 7 games. He was much better as a sophomore, so there’s reason to believe he could regain that form in 2021. Autman-Bell’s health — and success — will be a big part of that goal.

Minnesota hosts Ohio State on Sept. 2.