Minnesota Center Ashton Beers Lost for Season
The Gophers moved veteran guard Greg Johnson to center after Beers sustained a season-ending injury.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Football
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Minnesota starting center Ashton Beers will miss the remainder of the 2026 season following a lower right leg injury. To address the vacancy, the Gophers have shifted preseason All-American guard Greg Johnson into the center position.
Why it matters
The loss of the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Beers creates a significant challenge for the offensive line as the team navigates the remainder of its schedule. With backup center Brett Carroll also sidelined, the team is relying on Johnson's prior experience at the position to maintain continuity.
Greg Johnson previously started 13 games at center in 2024, providing a veteran alternative after injuries depleted the depth chart. The team must now manage its offensive production through the remaining eight games of the 2026 season.
The players
Ashton Beers
He is a 6-foot-6, 320-pound center for the Minnesota Gophers.
Greg Johnson
He is a preseason All-American guard who has been moved to the center position.
Brett Carroll
He is a backup center who is unavailable for the season due to a leg injury.
Jaden Ball
He is an offensive lineman who started at left guard following the injury to Greg Johnson.
The details
Jaden Ball has stepped into the starting lineup at left guard to replace Johnson, who returns to his role as the anchor of the offensive line. The transition comes as the program manages multiple long-term absences, including Ryan Estrada, Elisha West, and Enoch Atewogbola.
Timeline
September 12, 2026: Ashton Beers suffered a lower right leg injury.
August 2026: Brett Carroll sustained a season-ending leg injury.
September 2026: Minnesota secured a 27-24 victory over the Huskies.
Season Trajectory
The forced relocation of Greg Johnson to center significantly impacts the interior blocking stability for the remaining eight games. This lineup adjustment forces a shift in the rotation that may determine the offensive ceiling for the rest of the 2026 season.
Greg Johnson's move to center requires Jaden Ball to integrate into the starting guard spot for the upcoming Michigan game. The offensive unit must now adapt to these changes to maintain the production levels seen in previous wins over the Huskies and Zips.
The takeaway
The team's reliance on versatile veterans like Greg Johnson is essential when depth charts are thinned by injury. Keeping the offensive line cohesive despite these personnel shifts will be the primary objective for the remaining 2026 schedule.
Further reading
For more on the roster and team developments, visit Football.
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