There was hope that Michigan football would get linebacker Cole Sullivan back for the game against Northwestern on Saturday. Yet, he was officially ruled out on Saturday's injury report released by the Wolverines.
Overall, though, things aren't too bad. Jimmy Rolder, another linebacker who was out for the Purdue game, will be back in the lineup. Agains a run-heavy offense like Northwestern, that's great news.
Rolder has been stellar against run-heavy teams. His pass coverage has greatly improved, too. Having him alongside Ernest Hausmann will be massive for the defense, as some of the young linebackers on the field struggled to do their job, which is understandable.
The loss of Sullivan means that Troy Bowles will probably see the field, at least with the way the Michigan coaching staff has been rotating players, although I would prefer to see Rolder and Hausmann out there on every single snap. Just like Derrick Moore and TJ Guy need to play more, while Cameron Brandt and Dominic Nichols need to play a little less.
Another notable injury is Hogan Hansen. There were high hopes for the former four-star tight end this season, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy. That's opened the door for Zach Marshall, who has been impressive. Marlin Klein is healthy, so is Donaven McCulley.
Justice Haynes is out. That's not a surprise, though. Sherrone Moore said he was "week to week" earlier this week, which makes him sound very questionable for the Ohio State game in two weeks.