Michigan offensive lineman Andrew Sprague, who started the first two games at right tackle, has not played since Game 3 against UTEP, and head coach Kyle Whittingham said Monday that Sprague is “way out there” in terms of returning this season. Despite the grim outlook from the coach, teammate Jake Guarnera stepped up to squash rampant speculation, making it perfectly clear that Sprague has not quit on the team.
The Mystery Behind Sprague’s Absence
Sprague suddenly became unavailable to play within 24 hours of Game 3, and the reason for his extended absence remains a mystery, at least publicly. Coach Whittingham himself admitted he is “perplexed,” noting that there have been “several opinions, differing opinions” regarding Sprague’s condition. While those opinions have now “dovetailed a little bit and kinda settled in a place where everyone’s in agreement,” Whittingham has not disclosed the details, only confirming Sprague “won’t be available for several weeks.” This is a tough pill to swallow for a team looking to shore things up, especially when Whittingham has pointed to “turnover margin” as the team’s “biggest demise.”
Teammate Jake Guarnera Fights the Noise
Amid all the whispers and online chatter, center Jake Guarnera met with reporters and didn’t hold back. He said Sprague is “really upset that he can’t be with the team” and that all the “stuff online, people saying all kinds of things” is simply not true. Guarnera emphatically stated, “He’s never quit on us.” It’s clear the speculation has frustrated him, as he admits it’s “a little frustrating, but it is what it is.” Guarnera stressed that Sprague is “still with the team, still doing great and helping us out,” even “still leading” from the sidelines.
It’s a tough situation for Sprague, and for the team, but it’s clear his teammates have his back. With Sprague “way out there” for a return this season, the focus shifts to how the team manages without him, channeling the “passion and energy” Coach Whittingham says is key to their success moving forward.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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