STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Gophers cornerback John Nestor is a game-time decision to play against Penn State on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium, according to the U’s unavailability report two hours before kickoff.

Nestor, the U’s highest-graded defensive player this season, had been listed as questionable earlier in the week. He is an important leader on the defense, with 39 tackles one interception and one fumble recovery.

Nestor has played 501 snaps this season and has a sterling 90.1 overall mark from Pro Football Focus this season. He and Aydan West (499 snaps) have been on the field nearly all season.

If Nestor can’t play, the U will likely have to turn to inexperienced corners, Naiim Parrish (122 snaps) and Mike Gerald (48 snaps).

Meanwhile, the Gophers defensive tackle position has become threadbare.

Riley Sunram and Theo Randle — the two starters in the 34-20 loss to UCLA — were ruled out on Friday. And backup Jaylin Hicks was carted off the field against the Bruins and will miss the rest of the season.

That leaves Naquan Crowder, Xion Chapman and Sid Kaba to play in the interior of the D-line. Perhaps end Anthony Smith slides inside to help out on Saturday.

Minnesota will also be without backup safety Garrison Monroe and reserve linebacker Mason Carrier.

Gophers tight ends Pierce Walsh and Julian Johnson, who both missed the UCLA game, are active against the Nittany Lions.

Source: Yahoo Sports