Michigan injury report: Can Donovan Edwards shake off cast vs. Purdue?

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As Michigan gets ready to depart for Indianapolis, health of the team remains a big storyline.

Star running back Blake Corum has reportedly been ruled out for Saturday’s Big Ten championship against Purdue (8 p.m., FOX) and beyond, placing more of the onus on backup Donovan Edwards to carry the load.

But what kind of shape will Edwards be in? He played through a debilitating injury to his right hand last week against archrival Ohio State, forcing him to carry the football with his left. It limited him early on, slowing Michigan’s ground attack, but Edwards powered through en route to a 22-carry, 216-rushing yards, 2-TD game in the victory.

Asked last Sunday about players dealing with injuries, Harbaugh said he expected those on the fence about playing to give it a go.

“That’s been every Saturday for our team,” Harbaugh told reporters. “That has been the way it has been all season, all year. Guys are always looking for a way to get in, and never looking for a way to get out. I know sometimes they can’t be in, but they’re always looking for a way in.”

With so many banged-up players on Michigan’s roster at the moment, here is where things stand based on public comments, behind-the-scenes intel and projections.

Predictions: See what MLive’s writers say about Michigan-Purdue in Big Ten championship

Probable:

RB Donovan Edwards — Michigan’s backup gave it a go last week in the biggest game of the season and proved to be productive. Unless he suffered additional damage to that thumb, we expect Edwards to play again. He was a big part of the offense last week and would be again, especially given the lack of proven depth at the position.

TE Luke Schoonmaker — The team’s leading tight end returned last week and played through an undisclosed upper-body injury, catching a pass for 15 yards. He didn’t appear to be his same self, but a limited Schoonmaker can still be an effective one. We expect him to play again this Saturday, perhaps on a snap count or in specific situations.

Questionable:

EDGE Mike Morris — We expected Michigan’s leading edge rusher (and the Big Ten defensive lineman of the year) to play last week, and he did. But Morris only lasted 11 snaps before exiting the game due to injury. We don’t know the seriousness of his injury (Morris said a few weeks ago that he “tweaked” something), but he told Big Ten Network this week: “I’m doing a lot better. I’m still trying to get back to full-go.” Look for Morris to try and play again this week.

Doubtful:

LB Nikhai Hill-Green — I’ve been listing the junior linebacker here for weeks, but there is no clear sign that he is close to a return. We saw him a few weeks back during Blake Corum’s turkey giveaway in Ypsilanti and he looked to be hobbling around, too. Michigan has called it a soft-tissue injury for much of the season, leaving Hill-Green the opportunity to apply for a medical redshirt and regain the lost year.

STORY: RB Blake Corum to reportedly have surgery, miss postseason

Out:

RB Blake Corum — While there has been no official word from Michigan, the team’s leading running back is reportedly having surgery to repair that injured left knee and will miss the remainder of the postseason. There’s no way to deflect it: It’s a blow to the Michigan offense and how it wants to operate, and could cost the Wolverines a real shot at a national championship. But that’s also why they play the games — Michigan showed last week that it could win games through the air. Maybe they have more in the tank.

QB Cade McNamara — Michigan’s backup quarterback (knee) was sidelined indefinitely after having season-ending surgery. He entered the transfer portal on Monday, and by Thursday he indicated his plan to transfer to Iowa.

TE Erick All — Michigan’s starting tight end had “life-changing” season-ending surgery during the bye week, ruling him out for the rest of the season. His future is uncertain.

DB/ST Caden Kolesar — The special teams star suffered an ACL tear sprinting down the field during a punt return against Iowa, sidelining him for the rest of the way.

LS William Wagner — We don’t have the particulars on this one, but Michigan’s top long snapper also suffered a season-ending injury against Iowa. Greg Tarr has been filling in ever since.

Read more on Michigan football:

QB Cade McNamara plans transfer to Iowa

DT Mazi Smith lacked valid concealed pistol license when pulled over, police say

Recruiting: Michigan regains its footing in Ohio

24-year-old QB, versatile defenders among Purdue’s key players vs. Michigan

The 10 defining moments of Michigan’s football season

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