Michigan Football: Donovan Edwards expected to play vs Iowa

Michigan football got some good news on the injury front heading into the Iowa game as Donovan Edwards is expected to play. 

All week we have heard about the potential injury status of Donovan Edwards against Iowa and according to multiple reports, the Michigan football running back is expected to play.

Angelique Chengelis is one of the most respected Michigan football reporters out there and if she says Edwards is playing on Saturday against Iowa, you can believe it.

In more good news for Michigan football, both Trevor Keegan and Karsen Barnhart made the trip and while we don’t know if either will play or start, it’s still a good sign.

What kind of impact will Donovan Edwards have against Iowa?

Iowa knows all about Donovan Edwards, who threw a touchdown pass against the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Championship game last season. Yet, it’s not his arm that Iowa should be worried about on Saturday.

Edwards is a stellar running back and having him back to spell Blake Corum will be huge. We talked in our predictions post about how the explosive plays and the speed of the Wolverines can be a difference-maker in this game and Edwards is a huge part of that.

He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball as a running back or a wide receiver and you can guarantee Michigan football will target him when linebackers or safeties are in coverage.

While I love his ability as a runner, it’s his ability to change the game as a receiver that will impact this matchup. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him have a Maryland type of performance (last season) when he caught 10 balls for 170 yards.

His production won’t match that, but I would throw him the ball early and often against this Iowa defense. It’s usually an easier throw (to a running back) and getting Edwards the ball in space is always a win.

Regardless, if Donovan Edwards does play against Iowa that’s a big deal for Michigan football.