Another seven-footer at Purdue is facing an injury setback. Coach Matt Painter has confirmed that redshirt sophomore Will Berg is dealing with a foot sprain and is classified as day-to-day. As a result, Berg will not participate in Sunday’s game against Toledo.
“Obviously won’t play in the game against Toledo,” Painter informed reporters. “We’ll take Monday off and then we’ll kind of see where it’s at on Tuesday.”
While injury updates are never ideal, it appears that Berg may be able to return at some point this season. This stands in contrast to 7-foot-4 freshman center Daniel Jacobsen, who suffered a broken tibia during the second game of the season.
Jacobsen started the year as Purdue’s center, but after his injury, Painter shifted Berg into that position for three games before opting for a “small ball” lineup.
This season, Berg is averaging 2.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Coming into the 2024-25 season, Painter regarded him as the “most physical big” on the team’s roster.
Due to Berg’s injury, Painter noted that this could create additional opportunities for senior Caleb Furst and freshman Raleigh Burgess.
“We’ll see how things play out,” he said. “Hopefully, both those guys play well and are productive when they get an opportunity.”
Purdue is scheduled to face Toledo on Sunday, with the game tipping off at 6 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. This will be the Boilers’ last nonconference matchup of the season, as they aim to snap a two-game losing streak following defeats to Texas A&M and Auburn.
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