Offensive lineman Ryan Hayes and linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green are “being held out” with undisclosed injuries,
a team spokesman confirmed to MLive ahead of kickoff against Colorado State (noon, ABC).
Hayes was spotted out of uniform on the sideline during warmups, forcing Michigan to go without the second-team left tackle.
Look for Karsen Barnhart to slide in there and start next to guard Trevor Keegan.
The rest of the offensive line appears unchanged -- grad transfer Olu Oluwatimi will make his first start in a Michigan uniform at center,
Zak Zinter at right guard and Trente Jones, who on the starting job at right tackle.
The Wolverines are currently 31-point favorites at most sportsbooks to win Saturday’s game, up from 27.5 earlier in the week.
Hill-Green isn’t a huge surprise. He was listed as questionable earlier in the week with a soft-tissue injury,
and head coach Jim Harbaugh hoped they would have an answer by mid-week.
On Wednesday, linebackers coach George Helow didn’t have an update.
Look for Michael Barrett and Kalel Mullings to see extra time at the inside linebacker spot, alongside starter Junior Colson.
Hill-Green appeared in all 14 games for the Wolverines last season, starting six of them,
and was expected to be in the mix for extended playing time this fall.