Michigan loses defensive linemen Richard Ash, Brennen Beyer to injury

Brennen Beyer, shown bringing down Alabama's T.J. Yeldon last week, was hurt early Saturday against Air Force and did not return. He wore an air cast on the sidelines. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

ANN ARBOR -- Michigan's health continues to deteriorate -- and this time, its defensive line sustained the blows.

Sophomore nose tackle Richard Ash suffered an undisclosed injury and did not suit up in the Wolverines' 31-25 win Saturday against Air Force, and sophomore defensive end Brennen Beyer went down early in the game with a strained knee.

Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Ash "should" play next week against Massachusetts. True freshman Ondre Pipkins took Ash's backup nose tackle role against Air Force and had two tackles.

Beyer was seen with an air cast on his right leg after the game. Hoke said the sophomore strained his knee and the severity of the injury is not known.

His replacement at weak-side defensive end was sophomore Frank Clark, who was making his season debut after serving a one-game suspension against Alabama. Clark had two tackles, two of which were for loss.

Michigan also played without starters Blake Countess and Brandon Moore. Countess (ACL) has been lost for the season, as has linebacker Kaleb Ringer (knee), defensive lineman Chris Wormley (ACL) and offensive lineman Chris Bryant (fractured leg).

Moore is out for a couple weeks with an MCL sprain. Freshman tight end Devin Funchess had a big game in his place, hauling in four catches for a team-high 106 yards and one touchdown.

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