There were two changes to the Michigan football team's depth chart Monday, neither of which is surprising.

The more significant of the two is at punter, where sophomore Will Hagerup, fresh of his four-game suspension, is listed as a starter.

But so is his interim replacement, freshman Matt Wile, who has come on strong at that position -- strong enough that Hoke won't yet give Hagerup his starting job back after he excelled last year for the Wolverines.

Michigan (4-0) faces Minnesota (1-3) on Saturday in its Big Ten opener (noon, BTN).

"They'll compete," Hoke said during his weekly news conference. "I mean, we're going to compete in everything we do, and that's an important part of the development of your program and I think that's how you improve as a program."

Hagerup was suspended four games for an undisclosed violation of team rules. He averaged 43.6 yards per punt last year, second-best in school history, and started all but one game. He was suspended for the regular-season finale against Ohio State for undisclosed reasons.

What was Hagerup's attitude during the suspension?

"We all grow up, we all mature in life and everything else,” Hoke said. "He’s done a nice job of coaching Matt and helping Matt."

Hoke extolled Wile's performance in the Wolverines' 28-7 win last weekend against San Diego State. The freshman, who did not expect to punt when he arrived on campus this fall, averaged 49 yards on four punts.

He also did well on kickoffs, only once leaving the ball in the middle of the field.

"He really placed the ball well," Hoke said. "He did a tremendous job, and that's a good sign of a guy who's maturing as a freshman."

Smith moves up depth chart
The other roster tweak comes at tailback, where sophomore Fitz Toussaint has been listed as a co-starter each week ... and this one is no different.

But his partner is.

For the first time this year, senior Michael Shaw has officially been supplanted as a starter at tailback. Junior Vincent Smith, who has come on strong in recent weeks, now is listed as a starter.

Smith recorded the team's only 100-yard rushing performance by a tailback, and is second among them with 179 yards. Toussaint leads the group with 193 yards.

Hoke named Smith last week's starter, but Toussaint got the nod. The pair received the bulk of Michigan's carries, as likely will be the case this week. The coaches appear to be moving forward with a tailback-by-committee approach, despite their desire for a lead back.

"Those are the two who got snaps the other day," Hoke said of the situation at tailback, referring to Smith and Toussaint. "They both practiced well, Vince played well and Fitz played well.

"I think there's some protection things with Vince that we've liked for a long time. Fitz, he's done a nice job. He's a tough guy, he'll stay in there and take a guy out."

Shaw has only seven carries this year, and none since rushing once against Eastern Michigan.

Injury news
Hoke commented on several players who are battling injury:

Cam Gordon: The sophomore linebacker, who is dealing with a bad back, was expected to be available against San Diego State, but did not dress. "I think he's just not 100 percent yet," Hoke said. "He's just not where he needs to be yet." Gordon dressed for only the Eastern Michigan game this year, and has yet to make an appearance. He's listed as the starter at strong-side linebacker, just as he has been since the start of the season.

Troy Woolfolk: The senior cornerback left the San Diego State game after aggravating his left ankle, which he sprained in the opener against Western Michigan. He did not return. Hoke, though, said the injury was not serious and he's hopeful Woolfolk will play against Minnesota. "He ran last night and did everything he would normally do," Hoke said.

Ricky Barnum: The junior left guard left the San Diego State game after suffering an ankle injury. He did return, but his status for Saturday is unknown. "We'll see," Hoke said. "He's sore." How likely is it he'll play? "I don't know," Hoke said.

Justice Hayes: The freshman running back did not dress against the Aztecs. Why? "He had a bump," Hoke said. The nature of "the bump" was not disclosed. Hayes has yet to play this year and could be redshirted.

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.