Michigan’s record-setting run game hit a roadblock last week when Justice Haynes, the Wolverines’ standout transfer running back, left the USC game with an abdominal injury. Until then, Haynes had been carrying Sherrone Moore’s offense on his shoulders, rushing for over 100 yards in every game this season and ranking No. 5 nationally with 705 yards. With Washington’s Huskies looming this weekend, fans are anxiously awaiting an update. And it seems they will still be in the dark for some more time. 

On October 17, Pete Nakos tweeted, “Michigan running back Justice Haynes is expected to be a game-time decision tomorrow against Washington, sources tell @On3sports. Exited the USC game with an abdominal injury. Ranks No. 5 in the nation with 705 rushing yards.” Patience must be running thin for the fans. Michigan will be facing off against Washington this weekend (October 18) and might land in a sticky spot without Haynes.

Even as the Wolverines hope for a return, Haynes’ condition remains uncertain. On October 13, Clayton Safie listed him as questionable, and Moore knows how critical he is to the offense.

Washington enters Saturday’s matchup at 5-1, boasting a disciplined run defense that allows just 83.2 yards per game. With this, the Huskies rank No.8 in the nation in rushing defense (83.2 yards per game) this season. So, without Haynes, it could be tough sledding for Moore’s boys. 

As Michigan carried on with their action without their star running back against USC, the Wolverines showed enough signs of how they lacked the explosive, big-play ability in the run game. Will that force Moore to explore the backup scenario?

Sherrone Moore won’t find peace without Justice Haynes

Right now, it’s either Haynes or Jordan Marshall who will start against Washington. Regardless of Haynes’ status against Washington, expect Marshall to shoulder a much bigger share of the offense. The redshirt freshman logged 14 carries for 68 yards and added a 16-yard reception, though his longest run went for just 13. He’s tough between the tackles and always falls forward, but lacks the burst and wiggle that make Haynes special. What does Moore feel about the situation?

“He did good,” said the Michigan Wolverines head coach. “Ran hard, ran physical, made plays when they were needed, did a great job of pass protection. So he’ll continue to just take the next load and be the next guy up.” But deep down, Moore, too, knows that the Haynes charm will be missing. 

The 21-year-old etched his name in Michigan history as the first player ever to open his career with five straight 100-yard, one-touchdown outings. Even though Haynes’ running time got stunted against USC, playing less than half, he’s still the Big Ten’s rushing king, piling up 705 yards, 117.5 a game, and 7.42 a carry. His eight touchdowns rank among the nation’s elite.

Back in September, he had been trending the Big Ten arena. Justice Haynes was fresh off his heroic feat against Nebraska, 149 rushing yards on 17 carries and a 75-yard touchdown score. That’s when Swanky Wolverine dropped a table titled, “B1G Rushing Yards Leaders.” At the top stood Haynes at 537, then Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson at 391 yards, Washington’s Jonah Coleman at 347 yards, Rutgers’ Antwan Raymond at 310 yards, and Indiana’s Kaelom Black at 306 yards. So, the Wolverine Nation holds its breath and hopes Haynes is back in the race before long.