Michigan rules out CB Will Johnson, QB Jack Tuttle vs. MSU

RB Donovan Edwards, DL Kris Jenkins also questionable

The Wolverines will be without three key players when they play Michigan State on Saturday.

Cornerback Will Johnson, quarterback Jack Tuttle and defensive lineman Kris Jenkins have all been ruled out for the game.

Running back Donovan Edwards is also questionable with an ankle injury.

The absences of Johnson and Tuttle are particularly significant. Johnson is one of Michigan's best playmakers on defense, and Tuttle is the backup quarterback who was expected to see significant playing time in place of Cade McNamara, who entered the transfer portal last month.

Jenkins is a key member of Michigan's defensive line, and Edwards is one of the team's most explosive playmakers on offense.

The Wolverines are still a heavy favorite against Michigan State, but the absences of these key players could make the game more difficult.

Michigan is coming off a bye week, and the Wolverines had hoped to get healthy before facing their rivals.

But the injuries to Johnson, Tuttle, Jenkins and Edwards have put a damper on those plans.

The Wolverines will need to find a way to win without these key players if they want to stay in the Big Ten East race.

What does this mean for Michigan's defense?

The absence of Johnson is a big blow to Michigan's defense. Johnson is one of the team's best playmakers, and he is a key part of the Wolverines' pass defense.

Without Johnson, Michigan will have to rely on other players to step up in his absence.

One player who could see more playing time is sophomore cornerback Ja'Den McBurrows. McBurrows has played well in limited action this season, and he will need to be ready to step into a bigger role against Michigan State.

Another player who could see more playing time is freshman cornerback Will Alexander. Alexander is a highly touted recruit who has impressed the coaching staff during fall camp.

Alexander could be used as a nickel cornerback or as a safety.

What does this mean for Michigan's offense?

The absence of Tuttle is a blow to Michigan's offense. Tuttle is the backup quarterback who was expected to see significant playing time in place of Cade McNamara, who entered the transfer portal last month.

Without Tuttle, Michigan will have to rely on sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy is a talented player, but he has limited experience as a starter.

He will need to be ready to step up and lead the offense against Michigan State.

What does this mean for Michigan's chances of winning the Big Ten East?

The absences of Johnson, Tuttle, Jenkins and Edwards are a blow to Michigan's chances of winning the Big Ten East.

The Wolverines are still a heavy favorite against Michigan State, but the absences of these key players could make the game more difficult.

If Michigan can win without these key players, it will be a major statement to the rest of the Big Ten.

But if the Wolverines lose, it will be a major setback to their hopes of winning the conference.