Michigan is taking on Northwestern in Week 12, with the CFP contention still alive for the Wolverines. If they win the next two, the Ohio State game will finally decide Sherrone Moore’s fate. However, without Justice Haynes, it would be a mounting challenge. The running back has been out injured. During the Northwestern game, Gus Johnson announced on the broadcast that he is out for the season. However, fans aren’t convinced yet.

“Gus Johnson just said on FOX broadcast that Michigan RB Justice Haynes is done for the season. He underwent foot surgery, and there was previously some hope for a return against Ohio State,” wrote ON3’s Pete Nakos on X. However, within moments, Nakos’s comment section was filled with disbelief about whether the Michigan RB’s news was true or not, and many touted Johnson as having “no clue.” Now, what’s the reality then?

What has been said about Michigan RB Justice Haynes’ return?

Haynes initially suffered a right foot injury against Michigan State and has since missed several games. The Alabama transfer was initially expected to miss several weeks, and it was later revealed that surgery would be required for Haynes’s foot. The recovery timetable at the time ranged from several weeks to hopes that Haynes would at least play in the Ohio State game on November 29th. At least, until Gus Johnson’s announcement, that still was the case.

“Michigan star running back Justice Haynes is set to undergo surgery to repair a foot injury, sources tell CBS Sports,” reported CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. After the revelation, Haynes’ recovery timeline was said to be “week to week,” and we saw him wearing a boot/scooter on the sidelines several times. Sherrone Moore hasn’t explicitly provided any specific date for Haynes’ return, only mentioning that his recovery is going well.

“We’ll see what he looks like as he goes through the week,” said Moore. Since the RB has missed the Northwestern game, it is expected that we won’t see him against Maryland in the next game either. However, apart from Gus Johnson, no other entity has reported it, and there is no official confirmation from the program. That said, it’s unlikely that Haynes would play the Ohio State game. Since the recovery from his surgery is surely taking up time. Still, Michigan will need Haynes’s explosive rushing prowess to beat Ohio State.

Sherrone Moore will need his explosive RB for the Ohio State game

Justice Haynes has been exceptional for the Wolverines in the 7 games the RB has played. Barring the USC game, in which Michigan lost, Haynes has run 100+ yards in each of them. For instance, his 125 rushing yards performance was exceptional, as he scored a touchdown and averaged 6.6 yards per carry. Additionally, he had a 149 rushing yard performance against Nebraska, which helped Michigan secure a 30-27 victory. Getting Haynes’ quality against Ohio State will be important, and Sherrone Moore knows that.

“Animal, animal. He should be up for the Heisman. Fifth game with 100-plus yards. … He’s consistent. He works his tail off. He’s a great human being. He’s becoming a leader in the right ways. So yeah, I’m glad we got just his hands on our team. I’m glad he’s on our team because he never got caught whenever he had those explosive runs,” said Moore about Haynes.

Without any official confirmation, it is difficult to determine Justice Haynes’ availability for the Ohio State game or the postseason. In Haynes’s absence, Jordan Marshall has filled in as an able deputy. The sophomore has 729 rushing yards so far for 8 touchdowns and currently anchors the rushing unit amid Haynes’ absence.