Ralph Sampson III, a senior center for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, injured his knee Monday at practice and is questionable for Minnesota's opening round Big Ten Tournament game against Northwestern on Thursday, according to Amelia Rayno of The Star Tribune. Via Rayno:

Ralph Sampson III "tweaked" his knee two days ago, Gophers coach Tubby Smith said on Wednesday, making his status questionable for Thursday's opening round game against Northwestern at the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis. Sampson hurt the knee in practice, Smith said, and had not practiced since. The senior was seen shooting free throws on the court behind Smith as he spoke.

Sampson III is the Golden Gopher's lone senior, averaging 7.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season. Minnesota (18-13, 6-12) has virtually no chance of earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

For more on the Minnesota Golden Gophers, check out The Daily Gopher. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NCAA Basketball hub at SBNation.com/NCAA-Basketball.