Projected to be a starter entering the 2011 season, linebacker Cam Gordon was instead forced to sit out Michigan’s season-opening win due to a back issue.
Three days ahead of the first night game in the history of The Big House, Gordon’s status remains muddled.
Speaking before Wednesday’s practice, head coach Brady Hoke said Gordon’s availability for the Notre Dame game is “up in the air”. It’s unclear exactly when or how Gordon suffered the injury as he was expected to play against Western Michigan.
Instead, Jake Ryan started in Gordon’s place and acquitted himself well. If Gordon is unable to go for a second straight week, Ryan’s expected to get the starting call again.
In other, more positive injury news, star cornerback Troy Woolfolk continues to improve from an ankle injury. Woolfolk suffered the injury in the rain-shortened win covering a kickoff, but all signs continue to point to him being available for the Irish.
“He did more [in Tuesday’s practice] than I thought he would,” Hoke said. “He wanted to do more.”