Will Johnson injury update: Michigan CB's status revealed vs. Indiana

Michigan is expected to be without cornerback Will Johnson for Saturday’s game against Indiana, On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed. He hasn’t played since suffering an injury against Illinois.

Johnson is dealing with a lower-body injury, and it will keep him out for a third consecutive game. He’s a a key piece of the Michigan defense and leads the team with two interceptions – both of which went back for touchdowns – to go with 14 tackles.

Even despite his injury, Johnson remains one of the top cornerbacks in the country and has a strong case to be a first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him as the No. 2 overall prospect on his latest Big Board, only behind Colorado standout Travis Hunter.

Johnson was a key piece of Michigan’s run to the national championship a season ago, totaling four interceptions along with 27 tackles and four passes defended to anchor the defense. All told, during his two-plus seasons in Ann Arbor, he has 68 tackles and nine picks.

Johnson isn’t the only Michigan cornerback dealing with an injury, though. Jyaire Hill is also working his way back, although Sherrone Moore had a promising update on his status. He appears to be on his way to playing Saturday against Indiana, although the staff was going to monitor Johnson throughout practice.

“Both working through it, pushing,” Moore said. “It seems like Jyaire is trending on probably playing, but we’ll see, and we’ll see with Will how he goes this week.”

At 5-4, Michigan is one win away from bowl eligibility, but the next three games will be some interesting challenges. Indiana enters Week 11 undefeated and ranked No. 8 in the first College Football Playoff rankings, and Ohio State waits at the end of the regular season for the annual rivalry game. Northwestern sits between the two matchups after Michigan’s bye week.