Minnesota leading running back Darius Taylor missed Saturday's game against Akron, with TJ Thomas stepping in for 122 yards during the Golden Gophers' 41-7 win.
Taylor, who suffered a lower-body injury against Mississippi State last week, did a medical warmup pregame and it was determined he won't play.
Thomas added a touchdown on his 13 carries, while A.J. Turner had 40 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
Taylor has rushed for 71 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries this season. He led the Gophers with 670 rushing yards last season.
Starting linebacker Matt Kingsbury also did not play Saturday.