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    • Michigan’s Colston Loveland is available against Minn, Will Johnson is questionable
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    Michigan’s Colston Loveland is available against Minn, Will Johnson is questionable

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

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    The passing situation for Michigan football already appears to be better than it was last week.

    That’s because star tight end Colston Loveland was left off the availability report that Big Ten Conference teams must submit two hours before kickoff, meaning he will try to play in Saturday’s Battle of the Little Brown Jug against Minnesota (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) at noon from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

    All-American cornerback Will Johnson was listed as questionable. Johnson left Saturday’s win over USC with a shoulder injury, but said he could have returned to the game if necessary and was available for the media earlier in the week; Generally, this is a sign that a Michigan player will be available for the next game. He had a pick-six in the game.

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    Johnson is not the only key player whose decision appears to be made during the game. Josaiah Stewart, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, as well as wide receiver Semaj Morgan (second on the team in receptions and yards) and rotation center Greg Crippen are all listed as questionable.

    LIVE UPDATES: Michigan vs. Minnesota scores today, game highlights from Big House

    Loveland missed last week’s Top 20 matchup and upset 27-24 win over USC, And although UM survived the contest, the passing game was sorely lacking without his presence. Quarterback Alex Orji, making his first career start, completed just 7 of 12 passes for 32 yards, the fewest in a Michigan win since former coach Bo Schembechler walked the sideline in 1987.

    Despite missing a contest, Loveland remains the Wolverines’ leading receiver with 19 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown through four weeks. The junior appeared to injure his upper body in the second quarter of the Week 3 contest against Arkansas State, and although he returned and caught a pass in the third quarter, he immediately left the game and did not return.

    Head coach Sherrone Moore said earlier this week that Loveland is “doing a lot better” than it was at the same time the week before, hinting that it would be a game-time decision for UM. With Loveland’s return, Orji’s task appears to be easier as he had more rushing yards (43) than passing yards (32).

    Michigan’s secondary has also been thinned compared to Minnesota, as it is without safety Jaden Mangham for the fourth straight year, as well as transfer safety Wesley Walker (Tennessee) and nickelback Ja’Den Mangham. Senior safety Rod Moore (torn ACL) is out indefinitely.

    Defensive back Micah Pollard, running back Jordan Marshall, linebacker Jason Hewlett, running back Leon Franklin and running back Bryson Kuzdzal are also listed as out for Saturday’s game.

    Make “Hail, Yes!” your favorite Michigan Wolverines podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify).

    Tony Garcia is the Michigan Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X @RealTonyGarcia.

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    Caradoc Wyn
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