News about Mason Graham’s injuries and other Michigan Wolverines
MICHAEL ARBOR, MI Running back Kalel Mullings, a productive short-yardage back for Michigan, was unexpectedly left out of the starting lineup against Indiana last week.
Despite Mullings’s injury, which remained unidentified, his absence had little impact. Even yet, the lowly Hoosiers were easily defeated by the second-ranked Wolverines, who scored 52 unanswered points on 163 yards of rushes.
But Michigan could use Mullings and his scrappy play as the schedule gets tighter, starting this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC against in-state foe Michigan State. The former linebacker-turned-running back has emerged as the team’s third option behind Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards in five games this season, averaging an amazing 6.4 yards per carry while carrying for 147 yards and a touchdown.
When asked on Monday if Mullings may be available for the team’s game against the Spartans this coming weekend, head coach Jim Harbaugh simply said, “soon.”
What does that mean, then? Mullings is reportedly battling with a wrist issue, so don’t expect him to participate on Saturday. When it comes to upper-body injuries, Michigan usually errs on the side of caution, particularly at running back given the position’s well-known wear and strain. There’s always a chance of causing more harm.
Additionally, since Michigan has a bye week after Saturday, Mullings would have three full weeks to recuperate if he missed another game. Mason Graham, a defensive tackle, may be remembered for missing two games due to a fractured thumb. He returned to action wearing a thick cast.
You could see something similar for Mullings, who Michigan (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) has the luxury to play without given its depth in the backfield. Last week, the Wolverines played four different backs — Corum, Edwards, true-freshman Benjamin Hall and former walk-on Danny Hughes.
Look for Corum and Edwards to take a bulk of the carries early on against the Spartans, who enter as 24 1/2-point underdogs.
Elsewhere, we consider redshirt freshman defensive back Zeke Berry questionable after missing the last two games with an undisclosed injury. Berry isn’t a redshirt candidate so there’s clearly something up here.
Speaking of redshirts, after missing the previous five weeks of action, we rate sophomore running back C.J. Stokes as doubtful for Saturday’s contest. Stokes is still eligible to play in up to two games, but it’s obvious that he’s going to be a redshirt this year. One of them might challenge the Spartans. Though unlikely, it’s definitely feasible, particularly given Mullings’ hazy availability.
Marlin Klein, a tight end who has played in five games this season, is also unaccounted for. Against Indiana last week, he was ruled out.
