Michigan Football: Who could step up for injured Roman Wilson?

Michigan football is always guarded with injuries but Roman Wilson won’t play against Nebraska. Here’s who could step up in his absence. 

One of the things lost in the glow of a win over Wisconsin last week for Michigan football was the injury to wide receiver Roman Wilson.

Of course, the Wolverines keep things close to the vest when it comes to injured players but it was reported that Roman Wilson would miss the game against Nebraska according to Steve Lorenz of The Michigan Insider:

"“Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines will be without an emerging contributor on Saturday as multiple sources have confirmed Michigan sophomore wideout Roman Wilson did not make the trip to Nebraska. Sources tell The Michigan Insider Wilson sustained an injury versus Wisconsin that will sideline him for an indefinite period. He is expected to be reevaluated after Michigan’s bye week, which will come after tonight’s game.”"

Wilson didn’t make the trip to Lincoln which is a killer for the Wolverines after he hauled in six passes for 81 yards a week ago including a 38-yard reception on a third down against Wisconsin.

The former four-star recruit is speedy and was starting to fill the void left by Ronnie Bell. He was someone who could play on the outside or in the slot.

Lornez reported that he would be re-evaluated after Michigan’s bye week, which comes next week. So the injury may not be as serious long term but Wilson won’t play tonight vs Nebraska.

Who replaces Roman Wilson?

Daylen Baldwin and Mike Sainristil have been the other wideouts who have played the most outside of Cornelius Johnson who is the No. 1 target on the outside.

But there is plenty of talent available. A.J. Henning who has made an impact on punt returns, as well as running the ball and as a receiver, is one candidate for a larger role. Another is freshman Andrel Anthony who Harbaugh said should see more snaps last week.

Baldwin caught his second long touchdown pass from J.J. McCarthy but he hasn’t hooked up as well with Cade McNamara and had a ball thrown behind him on the first play against Wisconsin, but dropped a catchable pass.

Either way, the loss of Wilson hurts, but if Henning and Anthony step up, it doesn’t have to be detrimental to the offense.