The injuries are mounting up in Ann Arbor.
Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green has not yet seen the field this season. Tight end Erick All is rumored to be out for a substantial period of time. Quarterback Cade McNamara is out for the time being. And left guard Trevor Keegan just returned to action after missing a few weeks due to a neck injury.
On Saturday in Iowa, special teams ace and backup safety Caden Kolesar went to corral the Hawkeye punt returner. But when there was a change in direction, he stumbled and fell to the ground. After being looked at, he limped off the field and then eventually to the locker room.
According to The Detroit News’ Angelique Chengelis, Kolesar is out for the year.
Michigan’s Caden Kolesar, considered the captain of the Wolverines’ special teams, suffered a season-ending non-contact injury in the game at Iowa last Saturday.
Kolesar tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on punt coverage late in game, several sources told The Detroit News on Tuesday. He is expected to have surgery in the next few weeks once the swelling decreases.
He is a vital piece of the Wolverines’ special teams units that have been successful this year, and Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has frequently described him as the captain of the group. In the game against Connecticut, he blocked a punt. He also plays safety.
Last season, Michigan football was relatively fortunate when it came to injuries. Yes, it lost star receiver Ronnie Bell for the year after a Week 1 injury, but other than that, most losses were of the multi-week variety.
Kolesar is frequently referred to by Jim Harbaugh as the best player on special teams, a unit that was the best in the country a year ago.
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