In a tough blow for the Michigan Wolverines, star running back Justice Haynes is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. He suffered a foot injury that required surgery.
Haynes, who transferred from Alabama, quickly became a key player for Michigan. Before his injury, he led the Big Ten in rushing.
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore confirmed Haynes will miss the final two games. That includes the all-important matchup against No. 1 Ohio State.
With Haynes out, Michigan has to shuffle its lineup and count on other players to step up. There’s no sugarcoating it—his absence stings.
Justice Haynes’ Impact on Michigan’s Season
When Haynes arrived at Michigan, hopes were sky-high. He delivered right away.
In his first seven games, Haynes rushed for over 100 yards in six of them. He racked up 857 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns—pretty impressive, honestly.
His running style fit Michigan’s offense perfectly. Losing him now is a real gut punch for the team.
A Stellar Start Cut Short
Haynes made the jump from Alabama to Michigan look easy. He adapted fast and became one of the Big Ten’s most dangerous backs.
He could break tackles and pick up big gains almost at will. Unfortunately, that foot injury knocked him out, and he’s missed the last two games.
Last time fans saw him, he was on the sidelines during the Nov. 1 Purdue game, getting around on a scooter. Not exactly how anyone pictured his season ending.
Michigan’s Running Back Situation
With Haynes sidelined, Michigan had to make some quick adjustments. Jordan Marshall stepped in as the lead back and didn’t disappoint.
He put up 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the win over Northwestern. But then Marshall picked up a shoulder injury, just to make things more complicated.
Jordan Marshall’s Day-to-Day Status
Coach Moore shared that Marshall’s X-rays were clear. Still, he’s considered day-to-day for the upcoming Maryland game.
Michigan’s going to be watching Marshall’s status closely. They’ll need him if they’re going to finish strong.
Bryson Kuzdzal Steps Up
If Marshall can’t go, junior Bryson Kuzdzal is next in line. Kuzdzal, a former walk-on, has shown some real potential.
Against Northwestern, he ran for 53 yards on 15 carries. Not flashy, but he got the job done when called upon.
Looking Ahead: Michigan’s Final Games
The Wolverines are heading into a brutal finish, with Maryland and then the top-ranked Ohio State on deck. These games will decide a lot about their postseason chances.
They’ll need to dig deep and find a way to keep the offense moving, even without their top back.
Maryland Game Preview
Next up is Maryland, and it’s shaping up to be a real test of Michigan’s depth. With Marshall’s status up in the air and Haynes definitely out, the offense has to get creative.
Maryland’s defense will probably try to take advantage of Michigan’s injuries at running back. The Wolverines might have to mix things up and lean on other playmakers.
Ohio State Showdown
And then there’s the big one—Ohio State on Nov. 29. That game’s always huge, but this year, it’s got even more riding on it.
Ohio State’s defense is no joke. Michigan will have to put together something special, especially without Haynes. But hey, sometimes adversity brings out the best in a team. We’ll see what they’ve got.
Conclusion
Justice Haynes’ injury hurts Michigan’s football team. It’s a tough break, honestly.
Still, the Wolverines have found ways to bounce back before. Jordan Marshall and Bryson Kuzdzal are getting more snaps and trying to fill the gap.
Their next games—Maryland and Ohio State—feel huge. Michigan’s postseason hopes kind of hinge on these matchups, don’t they?
If you want more details or the latest updates, check out the original ESPN report.
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