It’s injuries galore for Michigan and Sherrone Moore after the much-needed Washington win. The return of some important downed players remains doubtful as the Wolverines enter their bye week. Now, Bryce Underwood‘s protection stands threatened after losing key OT Evan Link to injury.

Moore entered the game with a lot of risk, since he Rod Moore, and Justice Haynes were kept away. Then Link got carted off with a serious blow, throwing more doubt over the prowess of that offense. Thankfully, Michigan was able to hold down the fort. But Link’s injury “[didn’t] look too good,” Moore said after the game. Unfortunately, Link will probably be missing a good chunk of the remainder of the schedule, per Matt Zenitz. But there is some hope for a possible return towards the end of the season. Michigan plays Michigan State next.

Michigan losing Evan Link is a big problem for this still developing offense. He started at left tackle for all of Michigan’s games this season, bagging the spot after 5-star rookie Andrew Babalola went out with an injury. Link had some major problems in 2024, but was developing into a better player this season. He and veteran OL Giovanni El-Hadi covered the left for Bruce Underwood, and El-Hadi himself came back after nursing an injury. Link’s absence takes away some important production from the O-line. The health of the O-line has now become a serious issue for Chip Lindsey and Sherrone Moore.

The offensive line had its worst performance against USC, whose D-line tore it up badly. PFF ranked Michigan’s pass and run block with its season-worst numbers, at 60.4 and 56.7 respectively. Underwood has been sacked 9 times this season, which means defenses have been able to get to the QB at least once. Evan Link’s injury adds more fire to the theory of Michigan’s trenches being very fragile this season. However, with the remaining production, Moore can see both good and bad coming from this unit.

Michigan’s O-line talent can bode all kinds of results

The offensive line has had to depend on cycling freshman talent. Link’s departure brought out freshman Blake Frazier to the spotlight. He now joins fellow newbies Andrew Sprague and Jake Guanera in the trenches. Frazier was remarkably good for the time he played on Saturday, allowing zero quarterback pressures from Washington. Frazier, Sprague, El-Hadi and Greg Crippen featured in the Top 10 offensive players in PFF’s grading of the team. However, Washington still managed to break through for one sack.

Michigan now has very little freshman depth to back up future injuries. Frazier, Andrew Sprague, and Jake Guarnera will definitely see some more time this year. Other freshman include Ty Haywood, Avery Gach, and Kaden Strayhorn, who have all played in just the season opener. Veteran Lawrence Hattar keeps switching between the trenches and special teams. Nathan Efobi has had stints on both sides of the O-line.

The offensive line keeps getting hit with injuries, while simultaneously trying to hold down the fort. Though the largely rookie unit was able to keep things under control last night, Link’s return will be eagerly awaited by fans. Even with a rocky O-line, Moore should have a good outing against Michigan State.