Rod Moore is expected back in the Michigan football lineup, we just don't know when, although it will be a "surprise" if he's on the field Saturday against Oklahoma, according to Chris Balas of The Wolverine.
Moore is coming back from a serious knee injury during the spring of 2024, which caused him to miss all of last season. The two-time All-Big Ten selection has 28 career starts. He made the game-clinching interception against Ohio State, and is an eraser on the back end of the defense.
There was hope he would return for this game. It's not impossible, but Balas said it would be a surprise. Ideally, Moore would be back to 100 percent by the Big Ten season. It sounds like he's getting close but don't expect him on Saturday night.
Offensive injury updates for Michigan football for Oklahoma
Balas also noted there was another injury to an "offensive skill player." So Michigan could be missing another player on Saturday night, although things are looking good for Hogan Hansen.
Hansen made some impressive catches last season, and there was an idea that he might be the Wolverines best receiving tight end. Yet, Marlin Klein emerged as a weapon last week with six receptions for 93 yards, including two that covered more than 25.
Klein was on the "Freaks List" put out by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic for a reason. Last week, we finally saw some of that potential pay dividends. So, even if Hansen returns after missing last week, he might not be the top target at tight end as some had thought.
However, Hansen can still be a weapon and a matchup problem, especially in the red zone. Frankly, Bryce Underwood can use every weapon he can get. So fingers crossed on Hogan being available against the Sooners.