P.J. Fleck says WR Chris Autman-Bell is progressing ahead of Week 1 game vs. Ohio State

Minnesota receiver Chris Autman-Bell is continuing to recover from a lower body injury that he suffered earlier this month during fall camp.

According to coach P.J. Fleck, Autman-Bell has started to do some running. However, he did not update his status for the Gophers’ Week 1 contest vs. Ohio State.

Latest update from Friday's football media session, P.J. Fleck said WR Chris Autman-Bell did some running. Progression continues on the lower leg injury from earlier in camp. Fleck did not state Autman-Bell's playing status for the Ohio State game. #Gophers @StribSports

— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) August 27, 2021

Minnesota plays the Buckeyes on Thursday of Week 1, so he has even less time to recover than normal.

Earlier this week, Fleck updated Autman-Bell’s status from “week-to-week” to “day-to-day.” However, it’s still unclear how much he will be able to progress before the Gophers host Ohio State on Sept. 2.

Autman-Bell is projected to be Minnesota’s top receiver this season. The senior has had a productive career with the Golden Gophers so far despite being overshadowed by Rashod Bateman.

He has 78 career catches for 1,250 yards and 6 touchdowns over three seasons for the Golden Gophers. He also posted a team-high 19.5 yards per catch last season.

Ohio State has won 10 straight meetings with Minnesota.