Michigan’s 24-7 win against Washington was a bittersweet pill to swallow. The win left some major health-related holes in the roster that Sherrone Moore needs to fix as they go deeper into the season. However, Jordan Marshall filled the pre-game gaps by stepping in for the injured Justice Haynes. He contributed with a career-high 133 yards rushing and a clutch touchdown. Bryce Underwood did his part too, throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns, looking noticeably more confident.

While the Wolverines were getting over their star rusher being absent, with Marshall in the play, another disaster struck. This time, it was offensive tackle Evan Link who took the hit. On a second-and-long play in the first quarter, Link was pass blocking, took a step back, and suddenly collapsed with a non-contact injury. And just like that, Michigan’s offensive line was hit with a tragedy that nobody wanted to see. Soon after the game, Sherrone Moore faced the media with updates.

“Yeah, so Evan, not really sure, doesn’t look too good,” Moore said. “I know it was a lower-body thing, but we’ll see how he does.” Link served as the junior left tackle and staunchly protected Bryce Underwood this season, starting in every game. He’s the guy who buys Underwood precious time in the pocket, blocking the relentless defensive ends trying to ruin plays before they start. The visuals were hard to watch as teammates surrounded a clearly frustrated Link while staff carted him off the field.

Plus, he had a profound blocking rate during the early part of the season, which shows his potential as a blocker. Sure, redshirt freshman Blake Frazier stepped in immediately. But the absence of Link was dearly felt. It’s because Link made a very difficult transition from playing right tackle to now playing on the left side. Because last year, Link didn’t really perform well in that position. But the transition wasn’t easy at all. “So I have to compete with him and Blake (Frazier) in that regard as well. Really helped me improve my game and take it to another level,” Link said.

“A lot different. It’s a lot more confidence. I think it personally and in the whole unit as a whole. I think I have more confidence in our abilities as well, too. So, I’d say it’s night and day, really.” Now Moore went out with a no-contact injury during the first quarter; this can mean anything, including a possible season-ending. Concerns like ACL or MCL tears are also being hinted at. However, the offensive line will need a quick shuffle, forcing redshirt freshman Blake Frazier into a high-pressure spot.

Michigan’s injury woes are never-ending

Sherrone Moore didn’t take time in addressing the rest of the injuries that were lingering before the Washington game. “Justice and Rod were game-time decisions,” Moore said. “You know, they practiced throughout the week, and we always err on the side of caution. Even sometimes when they want to go, you know, making sure that their full strength.” Michigan’s prized rusher left the game against USC with an abdominal injury. His injury raised a huge question mark over his availability. And why not?

Haynes has been unloading 7.4 yards per carry and punching in touchdowns like it’s nobody’s business. Haynes would have been a vital factor against Washington’s defense. But even without him, Jordan Marshal ran for 133 yards on 25 carries and even scored a TD. Not great, but decent. As of now, Haynes remains a week-to-week decision. Rod Moore’s health status became a question before the week 2 game against Oklahoma.

Fans were buzzing when coach Sherrone Moore called Moore’s status “questionable,” hinting he might make his return. Rod’s been out since tearing his ACL in the national championship game against Washington, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. Moore has been a solid cornerstone for the Wolverines’ defense. His 71 tackles and four interceptions in 2022 show he’s a serious weapon. And even last season, he delivered key interceptions. So a guy like that is being saved by Moore as even he remains a game-time decision.