Aug 30, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. (11) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies at TCF Bank Stadium. Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr. saw his season come to an end after four games for the second straight year.
Winfield injured his left foot in the first quarter of a 42-13 loss to Maryland on Saturday and will undergo surgery on Monday. The sophomore is the second Golden Gopher to be lost for the season, joining running back Rodney Smith.
“We are heartbroken for Antoine,” coach P.J. Fleck said in a statement. “Like Rodney Smith, I know he will keep his oar in the water, keep moving forward and will work tirelessly to return to the field next season. We believe Antoine meets the waiver requirement for a sixth year of eligibility and we will file that waiver with the NCAA at the conclusion of the season.”
Winfield sustained a hamstring injury last season and was granted a medical redshirt.
Winfield had a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown in a 48-10 win over New Mexico State on Sept. 1. He also had a 31-yard return in a 26-3 setback to Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 15.
Winfield also led Minnesota defensive backs with 17 tackles to go along with an interception and a fumble recovery.
Minnesota (3-1) returns to action on Oct. 6 when it hits the road versus Iowa.
