INTEL: Final injury availability update for Michigan heading into MSU game

Maize & Blue Review has been keeping its subscribers updated all week on the status of multiple injured players heading into the rivalry game against Michigan State.

With just over 24 hours to go until kickoff, here is everything we’re hearing as final gameplan installs and availability determinations are being discussed.

Justice Haynes

We have heard all week that Justice Haynes has been practicing with the program and continues to do so this week. While he’s able to do more than he did a week prior, he was still considered ‘limited’ in practice this week, which makes his availability for Saturday somewhat murky, according to sources.

The general opinion of those we speak to is that Haynes will play this weekend, but will not be the lead back as he continues to get back to 100%. With a limited role, Jordan Marshall should see a bulk of the carries.

Moving forward, and not just MSU-specific, there is concern that defensive players will target the injured area to try and knock Haynes out of the game, so there is a concerted effort to make sure he’s not being overworked as he works his way back.

Hogan Hansen

We’ve reported that Hogan Hansen has been considered ‘day-to-day’ all week, and that hasn’t changed on Friday.

He’s been off and on in terms of how much time he’s spent practicing this week, and sources have informed us that Hansen isn’t full-go and will likely be a game-time decision, but healthy enough to play if he is needed.

The recent emergence of Zack Marshall and Deakon Tonielli has allowed Hansen to not rush back to focus on getting fully healthy and being able to contribute.

Marlin Klein

Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen are both in similar situations, where both will likely be game-time decisions and will play while clearly not at full strength.

Like Hansen, Klein has been hit or miss in terms of his practice availability this week, but there is optimism that he is the likeliest to play out of the two, but that is far from a guarantee.

One source said that Klein “should” be able to play on Saturday, and another said that he “could” be available to play. If one thing is certain, there does not appear to be certainty on his status.

As mentioned above, Marshall and Tonielli’s play has allowed both Klein and Hansen to not rush back onto the field.

Rod Moore

While I haven’t been able to get any details on why Rod Moore wasn’t available for the game against Washington despite not being on the injury report, there doesn’t appear to be any concern about his status moving forward.

One source said that he “seems fine,” but we have not got a definitive answer on whether he will play on Saturday. Assumption says he will play based on how he’s looked all week.

Ernest Hausmann

After being banged up late in the game against Washington, Ernest Hausmann’s status seemingly was answered after the game by Sherrone Moore, who said he was fine.

While that may certainly be the case, we are told that Hausmann is “unlikely” to be available this weekend as he gets a week to rest. Whether that means he won’t dress at all, tries to give it a go in warmups, or is not mentioned on the injury report is unknown as of this writing.

There doesn’t appear to be any long-term concern.

Rayshaun Benny

The same situation as Hausmann, Rayshaun Benny was banged up late against Washington and appears to be in a good spot when it comes to the stretch run of the season.

However, we’re told that it’s also “unlikely” that he will be available on Saturday. Like Hausmann, we’re unsure what pregame will look like and whether he’s in uniform at all.