Rutgers-Minnesota availability report: RB Kyle Monangai out as injuries mount (again)

Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai will not play Saturday when the Scarlet Knights host Minnesota, leaving the Scarlet Knights without their top offensive weapon to start the final month of the regular season.
For Rutgers, it’s the latest injury news in a season full of setbacks. In addition to Monangai, defensive end Wesley Bailey was ruled out for the season. Bailey, who finished second on the team with four sacks last season, has not played since Oct. 12 when Wisconsin throttled Rutgers, 42-7. Additionally, three other players were listed as questionable, including defensive end Aaron Lewis.
Monangai, who has been playing through injury for at least three weeks, exited the game in the second half two weeks ago after taking a blow to the head when Rutgers dropped a 42-20 loss to Southern Cal in Los Angeles. The standout tailback told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday that he anticipated playing Saturday. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said he would defer to the availability report when asked about Monangai’s status during his weekly press conference Monday.
As it turns out, Monangai was unavailable. In his absence, Rutgers will turn to true freshman Antwan Raymond as its starting tailback, marking his first career start. Raymond has carried 43 times for 179 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Minnesota’s availability report was less concerning. The Golden Gophers will be down one starter, guard Tyler Cooper, who will miss a second consecutive game.
Here is the Scarlet Knights’ full availability report against the Gophers:
OUT
QUESTIONABLE
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Patrick Lanni may be reached at [email protected].
Brian Fonseca may be reached at [email protected].