Minnesota Golden Gophers backup quarterback Max Shortell is ready to play for however long starter MarQueis Gray is out with a high ankle sprain.
Shortell played sparingly as an injury replacement for Gray in 2011, so did have some game experience before he entered the game last Saturday. However, no one expected him to play as well as he did. Shortell completed 10-of-17 passes for 188 yards and only one interception in Minnesota's win over Western Michigan. Head coach Jerry Kill was very impressed with Shortell's performance, according to Phil Miller of the Star Tribune.
"Most people that go to their second-team quarterback in situations like that don't go boom-boom and score," Kill said. "We don't (win) that game [without him]. It's very gratifying to see what Max did when he came in."
High ankle sprains typically sideline athletes for a month, however, Gray has a history of recovering from injuries quickly. Last season, Gray recovered from Turf Toe in only two weeks.
Shortell will look to continue his success next week when Minnesota faces Syracuse.
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