The running back and special teams options for Michigan football’s game against Arkansas State today have become slightly fewer.
Jordan Marshall, an impressive true freshman who dazzled in last week’s return game against Texas, is listed as unavailable for Michigan’s Big Ten pregame matchup against the Red Wolves at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor (noon, Big Ten Network).
Tyler Morris, a junior starting receiver, is graded as doubtful. Two weeks into the season, Morris—who coaches referred to as “the alpha” in the room—has not fared well. He was only able to collect two catches for 17 yards against the Longhorns, after catching three passes for 15 yards against Fresno State.
In his debut in the return game, Marshall, a four-star back from Cincinnati (Moeller), took three returns for 51 yards. Despite his early reputation among his peers for being a productive practice player, Donovan Edwards, Kalel Mullings, and Ben Hall had made it difficult to fit him into a backfield that was already packed. The goal of coaching is to get the ball into the player’s hands.
Special teams coordinator J.B. Brown told the reporters last week, “I don’t think we’re going in a different direction; I think we just wanted to get some other carries and kind of separate the load a little bit.” “I’m excited about Jordan; he performed admirably against Texas, but he needs to keep up this level of play as the week progresses.”
The Wolverines will also be without transfer safety Jaden Mangham (Michigan State), an honorable mention All Big Ten selection from East Lansing, for the second consecutive week. For unknown reasons, linebackers Micah Pollard, a junior, and Jason Hewlett, a sophomore, are out.
While star safety Rod Moore is still sidelined as he recovers from an ACL tear sustained in the spring, receiver Joe Taylor has been removed from the injury report and is expected to play for the first time this season. He might be useful on special teams.
Jack Tuttle, the quarterback, is still rated as doubtful in the report. Having struggled with injuries since the spring, the seventh-year graduate student was doubtful in Week 2 after being declared out in Week 1. Tuttle’s injury status has not changed, despite head coach Sherrone Moore’s earlier this week assurances.
Moore stated on Monday, “Jack looks like he’ll be ready to go. He’s throwing more this week.”
