What happened to Will Berg? Purdue coach Matt Painter provides update on redshirt sophomore ahead of Minnesota clash

Will Berg's injury ahead of Purdue's 83-64 win over Toledo on Sunday was a matter of concern for the No. 20 Boilermakers. The 7-foot-2 Swede suffered a sprained foot during a practice session ahead of the game and was "day-to-day" per Purdue coach Matt Painter as reported by Goldandblack.com's Brian Neubert.

On Thursday, Painter had good news for Purdue fans as he gave a positive update on Berg. He told Goldandblack.com that the sophomore has taken part in practice and looks good to go for the Boilermakers' Big Ten game at the Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-5, 0-2 Big Ten) on Thursday.

"He practiced, so he should be able to go," Painter said. "I haven't talked to (athletic trainer) Chad (Young) since we've practiced these two days about where he is, but he's been in everything."

Will Berg committed to the Purdue Boilermakers on Dec. 10, 2021, just a week after watching their convincing 77-70 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes during his official visit to West Lafayette. He turned down offers from the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Utah State Aggies, and he has also represented Sweden on its U16 and U18 national teams.

He took a redshirt in the 2022-23 season and then enjoyed a decent freshman season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 10 appearances as the Boilermakers made the NCAA Tournament final.

This season, Berg has made 10 appearances, averaging 2.6 ppg and 2.0 rpg. Following 7-4 starter Daniel Jacobsen's season-ending injury in Purdue's game against Northern Kentucky, the Swede stepped in as the Boilermakers' starting center for the next three games, which remain his only starts to date.

Will Berg's absence against Toledo caused a rare moment in Purdue's recent history

Will Berg's injury ahead of Purdue's game against Toledo meant the Boilermakers went into a game without an active 7-footer for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

Despite that setback, the Boilermakers scored a convincing 83-64 win over the Rockets on Sunday. Junior guard Braden Smith stole the show, finishing with 34 points and 12 assists along with four rebounds.

Trey Kaufmann-Renn and Fletcher Loyer backed Smith up with solid performances, finishing with 23 and 17 points, respectively.

The Boilermakers (9-4, 1-1) moved up a place to 20th in the latest update of the AP Top 25. Their game against Minnesota will commence at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday.