Michigan injury updates on Will Johnson, Myles Hinton, Marlin Klein

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan is expecting to have starting left tackle Myles Hinton back this Saturday, moving it one step closer to have a complete offensive line.

Hinton was trending toward playing this week, head coach Sherrone Moore told reporters Monday afternoon, before formally considering him questionable during an appearance on the evening’s “Inside Michigan Football” radio show.

“I think there’s a really good chance that he’ll play on Saturday,” Moore said.

Hinton, Michigan’s best offensive lineman, has sat out the last two games due to injury. He traveled with the Wolverines to Illinois last weekend, suited up in uniform but didn’t play the 21-7 loss.

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His expected return would be critical for a Michigan front five still trying to find itself. Hinton’s replacement the last two weeks, Jeff Persi, has allowed eight quarterback pressures in the last two games.

Meanwhile, Moore didn’t sound as optimistic when asked about All-American cornerback Will Johnson, who departed Saturday’s loss to Illinois in the second quarter with an undisclosed injury and never returned. Johnson has already missed one game this season and sat out parts of two others, leaving the Michigan secondary without its best player.

“We’ll see again this week,” said Moore, who later labeled Johnson as questionable. “We’ll see how he rolls this week.”

If Johnson is unable to go, expect Albany transfer Aamir Hall to make his second start of the season. The 6-1, 201-pound Hall saw extended playing time against the Illini, contributing to a tackle for loss and was flagged twice for pass interference.

“He’s got to continue to progress like he’s been doing,” Moore said. “I think he did a really good job when he went in.”

Another player Moore considers questionable for Saturday’s game against the Spartans is reserve tight end Marlin Klein, who was carted off during the loss to Illinois. While the Michigan coach remains mum on his injury, “we’ll see if he gets back this week.”

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