Early on Friday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel revealed that Michigan football cornerback Will Johnson — who hasn’t suited up for the Wolverines since mid-October — isn’t likely to play at Ohio State on Saturday. Though there had been optimism that fellow junior, tight end Colston Loveland would be able to play, those happy thoughts are starting to wane.
Thamel reported on Thursday evening that there is growing pessimism that Loveland will be able to go on Saturday after leaving the Northwesten game at halftime. If true, it’s a big blow to the Michigan offense and perhaps the last that the Wolverines will have seen of the phenom tight end often thought to be the best in the country.
Sources: There’s increasing pessimism about the availability of Michigan TE Colston Loveland for the game at No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday. He did not play in the second half of the Northwestern game with an undisclosed injury and has been limited all week in practice. pic.twitter.com/1z4xZKaKSo
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 29, 2024
If Loveland isn’t able to go, Michigan football will be without its top offensive weapon. Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen would likely go in his place, rotating with senior captain Max Bredeson.
Loveland actually got his first career touchdown in Columbus when Michigan upset Ohio State, 45-23, in 2022.