Troy Woolfolk, Fitz Toussaint and more of Michigan's injured players take part in Tuesday's open practice
Michigan football coach Brady Hoke said Monday that several players’ status for this weekend’s game against Eastern Michigan would hinge on how they practice Tuesday and Wednesday.
So far, so good for many of them.
Michigan starting tailback Fitz Toussaint, who missed the Notre Dame game with an injury, participated in all drills available to the media on Tuesday.
• Top cornerback Troy Woolfolk, who is dealing with a sprained left ankle, right hand injury and lacerated nose, began Tuesday’s practice with the first-team defense. He was not wearing the large wrap he had on his ankle last week, but did still have his bulky hand cast.
• Starting tailback Fitz Toussaint, who did not play in Michigan’s 35-31 win against Notre Dame due to a shoulder injury he suffered in the opener against Western Michigan, participated in all drills available to the media and was with the first-unit offense. Vincent Smith was the first back to run with the second offense.
• Linebackers Brandon Herron (leg) and Cam Gordon (back) also participated in drills after not playing against Notre Dame.
• Receiver Martavious Odoms, who has battled an undisclosed left forearm injury since the summer, no longer has the bulky cast he sported the past few weeks. The senior wore a smaller protective device during Tuesday’s workout, and fielded punts at the start of the media’s 20-minute availability.
Video from practice
AnnArbor.com reporter Nick Baumgardner captured the following video highlights from the practice session:
More practice notes
• Senior receiver Darryl Stonum, who is redshirting this season after being charged with a DUI in the summer, was wearing the No. 1 jersey at practice. He has been Michigan's top scout team receiver in past weeks.
• Former Michigan coach Gary Moeller, who hired current head coach Brady Hoke as a defensive line assistant in 1995, observed practice from the sidelines.
• Seniors Junior Hemingway and Odoms, sophomore Jeremy Gallon and freshman Blake Countess received punts during the opening moments of the media’s availability. Gallon has been the starter at that position to open the season.
• Freshman kicker Matt Wile worked on kickoffs.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Fan
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 7:05 p.m.
I agree, Gary Moeller's presence is a great sign that this program has HUGE promise. Perhaps the University should find a "student athlete advocate/coach mentoring" support position within the AD's Office for Coach Moeller. All student athletes can benefit from his expereince, wisdom and counselling. As for the Fans, we can expect the influence of a seasoned throw back "in your face tough football tradition" that his sucessful program represents (including the developing time he survived under Bo). Good fit with Coach Hoke and other coaches in preparation for the upcoming 2011 Big Ten schedule and very possible Big Ten Championship game!! I am predicting back to back games against OSU!!
heartbreakM
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:22 a.m.
I'm glad that Moeller has found peace and returned to involvement with the program. Started under the former coach but it has blossomed now. At the end of the day, it is well deserved for a good though flawed man (like the rest of us).
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Sep 13, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.
Glad to see those with nagging injuries out taking reps during practice. I also like rotating new people into special teams to see if they can raise the bar performance wise. Kyle how did Matt Wile do on kickoffs?