Gophers left guard Jon Christenson is back at practice this week for the first time since having right knee surgery three weeks ago.
Christenson, a senior leader, has missed the past three games and has been replaced by Joe Bjorklund, who is playing through his own knee injury.
"I think (Christenson's) going to play this week," Gophers coach Jerry Kill said. "That will help us. We moved the ball the first two series (against Northwestern), and then Joe Bjorklund went out with his knee."
Bjorklund, who has been limited to one practice a week, was replaced by Foster Bush, who is a backup tackle.