Minnesota star running back Mohamed Ibrahim leaves game in boot with lower leg injury

Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim suffered a scary lower leg injury late in the third quarter of the Badgers’ opening game against No. 4 Ohio State and did not return. The play came late in the third quarter when he spun away from Buckeyes safety Ronnie Hickman. He planted his left leg and the lower part of his calf looked like it snapped and he went immediately down to the ground. 

Ibrahim was helped up by teammates before limping off the field to the sideline. After being treated in the tent, he walked into the locker room for further treatment. Minnesota has not provided an update on the severity of the injury.

Here’s a look at a replay of the incident.

Ibrahim had been rocking Ohio State to the tune of 162 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries through three quarters. Sophomore Treyson Potts stepped in for Ibrahim carrying the load at running back in the Gophers offense. They’d go on to fall to the Buckeyes 45-31. 

Ibrahim finished second in the nation in rushing last year with 153.71 yards per game, but he chose to come back to coach P.J. Fleck’s program after flirting with the NFL Draft. He is considered by most scouts as an early second day pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, though this injury could affect his season and draft stock.