Foot surgery ends season for Minnesota’s Winfield

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota sophomore safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is recovering from surgery to repair a torn Lisfranc ligament in his left foot.

Coach P.J. Fleck confirmed Tuesday the season-ending mid-foot injury for Winfield, who will seek a second medical redshirt and sixth year of eligibility after playing in the maximum four games. Winfield’s 2017 season was limited to four games because of a hamstring injury.

Freshman Jordan Howden will replace Winfield, who was hurt in Minnesota’s loss at Maryland on Sept. 22. The Gophers were off last weekend and host Iowa on Saturday.

Fleck also said quarterback Zack Annexstad is “closer to 100” percent in his recovery from an ankle injury and that cornerback Kiondre Thomas will return against Iowa after missing the Maryland game for a violation of team rules.

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