Michigan football team running backs receive mixed news, plus quarterbacks await decision
Mike Shaw will play for the Michigan football team Saturday. Fitzgerald Toussaint will not.
The statuses of the two running backs were the biggest question marks remaining for the Wolverines heading into Saturday’s season opener against UConn (3:30 p.m., ABC) at Michigan Stadium.
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Mike Shaw
Shaw expects to be part of a three- or four-back rotation at tailback.
A lingering knee injury will likely prevent Toussaint from joining the crowded backfield. Rodriguez said his status is doubtful.
Quarterbacks remain in dark
Rich Rodriguez may have made up his mind on who will start at quarterback, but he’s waiting until late in the week to share the news with the three contenders for the starting job.
He said he’ll speak with Denard Robinson, Devin Gardner and Tate Forcier individually over the next two days. No matter who starts, the game plan remains the same.
“All three have a similar skill set for what we want to accomplish offensively,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve had all three do the whole offense. We’re glad we did it that way, because it gives us more flexibility with our play-calling.”
Injury report
Jared Van Slyke bruised his collarbone during Tuesday’s team practice, and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.
Not only is Van Slyke the team’s backup free safety behind Cam Gordon, he’s one of the Wolverines’ holders on special teams.
Receivers Drew Dileo and Doug Rogan practiced as the team’s holder during training camp, so Rodriguez doesn’t see Van Slyke’s potential absence as a problem. “It’s kind of been a rotation” between the three, he said.
Pete Bigelow can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2556, via petebigelow@annarbor.com or contacted on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
iringbells100
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 9:25 p.m.
everything will be just fine its all gonna go smooth just sit back in your seat at the game or in front of your tv and watch. GO BLUE ALL IN
Kevin
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 9:02 p.m.
Honestly, I'm more worried about Van Slyke than the QBs. Rod says the QBs are all just about equal and all have been working hard. And Edsal can't plan for just one QB. Great. Running backs - we have 2-3 who look decent. Great. But, Cam Gordon has never played free safety before, let alone started at the position. And recently, he missed a major tackle in the fall scrimmage. And now his backup (Van Slyke) is potentially injured? Not great. This is the problem...and the rest of the secondary, not QB or running backs which have reasonable depth.
Sean T.
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 7:48 p.m.
I hope he already has named the starting QB but I'm not sure why it would be a secret when everyone knows about the two sophmore QB's. Both Tate and Denard are mobile so Connecticut has probably game-planned very well for whomever starts at QB. It sounds to me that RR isn't sure who'll start until game time so we'll just have to wait and see. And GOBlue, you're right if they are unprepared and there shouldn't be any excuses.
clarklaker
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 4:36 p.m.
Denard,Tate,or Devin already know who is going to start. let it go people.I will be there saturday and hope whoever starts the game does a good enough job to win the game.
1720goblue
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.
I agree 100%. I say rich should have said who was starting monday. gives the kid more time to get his head in the game and not wondering if he`s going to be the starter.
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 12:54 p.m.
I hope he's already split the reps and given whomever is the starter the majority of the reps leading up to the game. I will not be happy if the starter looks unprepared, or hear afterward any excuse making.