Michigan is looking to bounce back from that brutal 13-6 overtime loss to Indiana, but head coach Kyle Whittingham is facing a massive injury crisis. Seven Wolverines are officially ruled out for Saturday’s Rutgers game, with six more questionable, leaving key contributors completely up in the air. It’s a tough break when you are trying to find your stride.
The Wolverines’ Deep Injury Hole
According to the latest Big Ten availability report, the list of Michigan players ruled OUT is long. We’re talking Kendrick Bell (#0) at wide receiver, Jo’Ziah Edmond (#16) at cornerback, Braydon Alford (#22) also at wideout, Micah Ka’apana (#25) at running back, Julius Holly (#37) at defensive end, and offensive linemen Ace Hamilton (#52) and starting tackle Andrew Sprague (#54). Sprague being out is a huge blow for an offense that could only muster six points in last Saturday’s loss to Indiana.
Protecting whoever starts at quarterback will be absolutely critical, especially with starting tackle Andrew Sprague ruled out and Blake Frazier (#77) still questionable. Whittingham has already faced tough questions about his quarterback situation after Tommy Carr’s difficult performance against the Hoosiers. You gotta keep your QB upright if you want to put points on the board, right?
Uncertainty on Defense Too
It’s not just the offense taking a hit. Defensively, Michigan could be without several important contributors. Safety Rod Moore (#1), who made a pick against Penn State earlier this season, is questionable, along with fellow safety Jordan Young (#6). Defensive end Dom Nichols (#8), defensive tackle Enow Etta (#17), and defensive end John Henry Daley (#90) are also questionable. That creates a whole lot of uncertainty across multiple positions. According to additional reporting on Michigan’s injury concerns, Moore has been working through yet another injury after a difficult stretch of setbacks throughout his college career. That’s gotta be frustrating for the guy. The defense performed well enough to beat Indiana, but the offense just couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities.
On the brighter side, linebacker Troy Bowles (#18) and offensive lineman Jake Guarnera (#53) are both listed as probable, so at least there’s some good news on the injury front.
Rutgers Is Banged Up Too
Michigan isn’t the only team dealing with significant absences heading into Piscataway. Rutgers will be without their starting quarterback, Dylan Lonergan (#12), which is massive. Also out for the Scarlet Knights are defensive backs Kaj Sanders (#1) and Zahmir Dawud (#12). Standout wide receiver KJ Duff (#8) is listed as questionable, along with defensive backs Kevin Levy (#7), linebacker Ty Morris (#10), and defensive lineman Keshon Griffin (#96). Linebacker Joey Kopec (#38) and offensive lineman Tyler Needham (#56) are both doubtful. So, it’s gonna be a battle of attrition on Saturday.
This matchup in Piscataway is looking wild, with both teams banged up heading into the game. Michigan needs to find points, especially with Tommy Carr under the microscope and half their O-line potentially missing. It’s a huge test for Whittingham’s squad and a massive opportunity to bounce back.
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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