WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue football expects to have one starter back next week at Minnesota, but the status of another is up in the air.
Boilermakers coach Barry Odom said cornerback Tony Grimes suffered an injury in practice Wednesday. The UNLV transfer did not play in Saturday’s 43-27 loss to Illinois.
“I would expect he will be back on Monday,” Odom said after the game.
Grimes, a six-year veteran, came into the week with nine tackles. Traveon Wright started in his place opposite Hudauri Hines. Grimes’ presence might have helped a defense which allowed 390 passing yards to Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer on only 22 attempts.
Jalen St. John injury update, what happened to Purdue left guard?
Odom had not received an update on the status of starting left guard Jalen St. John. He left mid-game on a cart with an unspecified injury. Hank Purvis took over for the UNLV transfer.
Odom said he did not have an update on St. John’s status.
That shakeup did not prevent the running game from enjoying its best performance of the season. Devin Mockobee and Antonio Harris combined for 127 yards and two touchdowns, and Purdue averaged 6.0 yards per carry.
It came into the game averaging a Big Ten-worst 2.5 yards per carry against FBS opponents.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football was without top cornerback, captain due to injury. What we know
Reporting by Nathan Baird, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
