The Michigan football secondary has been a work in progress for much of the 2024 season. It’s not just been about working in new names like Jyaire Hill and Aamir Hall, but also because Will Johnson has been banged up since late against USC in Week 4.
Johnson was last seen in uniform in the first half of Week 8 against Illinois. But he hasn’t dressed since. And now, with rival Ohio State coming up, the Wolverines need him more than ever.
But that’s looking increasingly unlikely.
According to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Johnson is expected to miss the regular season finale as he continues to deal with a lower body injury, thus leaving Michigan thin, once again, against Ohio State’s cadre of talented five-star wide receivers.
Michigan is expected to be without star cornerback Will Johnson vs. Ohio State, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports.
Sherrone Moore had said “we’ll see” earlier in the week re: Johnson, who has been out since early October due to a toe injury.https://t.co/ly2NQ7Y5mp pic.twitter.com/y2hUQ9VNTB
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) November 29, 2024
Though Michigan did give up nearly 300 yards passing to the top passing attack its seen this year (Oregon), until the final (essentially garbage time) drive, that number was around 200. The Wolverines will need to play a stellar game in all phases to have a shot against the Buckeyes.
Last week marked senior day, the final home game of the season. Thus, Johnson’s last home appearance was in Week 4 against USC and his potentially final Michigan game period was against Illinois in Week 8.