Michigan Football: Jalen Mayfield must step up after Andrew Stueber injury

Michigan football lost Andrew Stueber for the season with an injury it was reported Thursday and now that leaves Jalen Mayfield as starting right tackle.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports and Thursday it was announced that Michigan football has suffered a key injury along the offensive line as potential starting right tackle Andrew Stueber has suffered an ACL injury.

The Michigan football program made the announcement according to the Detroit Free Press, although there was no other comment.

For the offensive line, it’s a significant blow for a couple of reasons. For one, Stueber may have been the starting right tackle. He and redshirt freshman Jalen Mayfield have been in a tight battle for the job since spring and their battle was to be decided in fall camp.

Many speculated though, that no matter who won, both would play, especially if Mayfield wound up winning the starting job. Mayfield was a four-star recruit and has all the tools to be a very good offensive tackle.

He took steps toward that end in the spring and just needed to continue to show the level of consistency needed from a starting-caliber player. Stueber was the safe choice and the incumbent, as he started down the stretch but he also had tremendous value as a backup.

Outside of the center position, Stueber could have been the backup for each spot had he not been named the starting right tackle. Having a guy that has started and played extensively, who is able to backup four different spots is invaluable and the Wolverines depth has certainly taken a hit.

As far as the right tackle job is concerned, Mayfield would appear to be the favorite. Ryan Hayes is another young tackle with a bright future and there is also a promising group of four-star freshmen that includes Trente Jones, Trevor Keegan and guard Nolan Rumler.

Those three freshmen may need to play more snaps than previously expected in 2019 or at least be prepared too. The same can be said for Hayes, the 6-foot-7 tackle who might have to be the swing tackle now, which serves as the backup for both sides.

The loss of Stueber isn’t one that can’t be overcome, however, the offensive line was viewed as one of Michigan football’s strengths heading into the 2019 season and there is no question the offensive line has been weakened.

The development of Mayfield will determine how much. If he steps forward and proves worthy of starting, Stueber’s loss might not hurt. And if the other youngsters like Hayes, Keegan, Jones and Rumler can provide depth, that will help as well.

But the one thing we know is that the safety net Stueber provided at right tackle is gone. If Mayfield started and struggled, the veteran would have been an option and now, Michigan football has to find others in case Mayfield doesn’t work out.