Tate Forcier probable for Delaware State
Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier is "probable" to play Saturday against Delaware State, but coach Rich Rodriguez did not commit to starting Forcier on his radio show Thursday.
"If Tate's cleared and he's 100 percent and he's able to do all the practices this week from Wednesday on, then he'll be the starter," Rodriguez said. "But we feel confident in Denard (Robinson), and Nick Sheridan's had a great week of practice. He's ready as well."
Robinson will make his first career start if Forcier can't play.
Forcier suffered a concussion on his final play in last week's 30-28 loss to Iowa and did not practice Monday or Tuesday. He also has been suffering from a sprained throwing shoulder.
Rodriguez said Forcier's shoulder "feels better."
"We believe everything this fine, but we're going to be 100 percent," Rodriguez said. "We would never put a guy out there, the doctors would never let us put a guy out there that wouldn't be 100 percent."
Running back Carlos Brown (concussion) also was listed as probable on Michigan's official injury report, meaning there's a 75 percent chance he'll play Saturday against Delaware State. Brown did not play against Iowa.
Center David Molk will miss his fourth straight game with a broken foot.
Michigan (4-2) also announced its captains for Saturday: defensive end Brandon Graham, kicker Jason Olesnavage, linebacker Ohene Opong-Owusu and left tackle Mark Ortmann.
Comments
Feltdaddy
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 1:15 p.m.
What I would really like to see is D Rob rolling out everytime he passes with Minor a great blocker, right in front of him. He can be so dangerous in the open field
raddes
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 12:52 p.m.
Forcier isn't lacking confidence but I think he needs a quarter (if healthy enough) to regain some of the poise he lost last week against Iowa. This is a game where he can definitely get back to going through his progressions (read-option/receivers) and making good sound decisions with the ball. Although not overly concerned, I don't like our freshman quarterback getting benched, not seeing playing time this week because of a weak opponent, and then having Penn State's defense tune him up which may have him revert back to some bad habits. Forcier is also a freshman who needs the reps (again, if healthy) and he needs to get back to managing the game until it's time for him to either take over or do more. The Iowa game confirmed that Forcier was pressing and trying to make the spectacular play instead of making first downs and keeping drives alive. I'd like to see a first quarter of 12-15, 180 yards, 2 touchdowns. Then Robinson and the young stable of RB's can run DState off the field. Go Blue!
RWBill
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 11:41 a.m.
trublu, that's WHY Shoelace needs to play 3 quarters against this opponent. We desperately need a viable alternative to Tate. DR needs to work on the passing process, not just firing it at the first receiver he sees. Perfect opportunity this week b/c the running game should be able to dominate and create favorable passing conditions.
stevieboy
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 8:02 a.m.
This will be a good confidence builder for Robinson, also great experience. Tate needs to rest and heal. Plus Sheridan also showed that he can win a game ( Minnesota), so Michigan is fine with Tate sitting out. This will help out in the long run going into the homecoming stretch with the tough teams we play later this season. Go Blue!!!
Salinegoblue
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 7:28 a.m.
Tate should get a break this week to heal and DR should play until the game is out of reach for Delaware State. No need to take a chance at having your numbers 1 and 2 QB's injured. Besides, Sheridan has stuck with us and didn't transfer, he deserves some love.
jeremy
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 6:55 a.m.
forcier, brown, and minor should all be rested during this game. This team is a cellar dweller and there is no chance that the game would be competitive. Let robinson play first half but then get ur young guys on the field for playing time and reps and show cone and sheridan some love. michigan 56-3
james Kurtz
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 6:52 a.m.
Hey Dave: Try reporting on Rich in a positive manner instead of skepticism.
james Kurtz
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 6:50 a.m.
Let him sit this one out unless they are behind in the 3rd quarter. Let Robinson run the show and mix up the running game with a few passes. The final score isn't important as long as they win. Tate needs a break.