Brandon Minor’s senior season could end the way it started - with him sitting on the bench.

Minor is doubtful to play in Michigan’s final regular season game Saturday against Ohio State because of a left shoulder injury. Michigan's leading rusher with 502 yards, Minor missed the Wolverines' season opener with a high ankle sprain and has been hampered by ankle and shoulder injuries all year.

Michigan running back Brandon Minor, who scored three touchdowns for the day, walks dejectedly off the Michigan Stadium field after the Wolverines blew a two-touchdown lead in the second half to Purdue.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

“His ankle is better, but his shoulder isn’t,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Wednesday. “He wasn’t able to do anything yesterday. I don’t know how much he’s going to be able to do today, so unfortunately for Brandon he’s doubtful.”

If Minor doesn't practice before Saturday, it's unlikely he'll play, Rodriguez said. Either Vincent Smith or Carlos Brown will start in Minor's place.

Brown, who's played sparingly the last two weeks because of knee tendinitis, has been cleared to play.

“The decision on playing Brandon is strictly up to the trainers, the doctors and his health," Rodriguez said. "We would never jeopardize a young man and play him if he’s not able to protect himself. That’s really the issue.

"It is a very, very important game. Knowing Brandon and all our guys, if they can play, medically play and protect themselves and be healthy, they’re all going to want to play. But if he can’t do that, then the trainers and the doctors and Brandon himself will know that by Saturday."

Receiver Martavious Odoms also is day-to-day with a knee injury, but Rodriguez said he's hopeful Odoms will be available against the Buckeyes.

Michigan (5-6, 1-6) needs a win Saturday to become bowl eligible.

Ninth-ranked Ohio State (9-2, 6-1) has won five straight in the rivalry series.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.