Michigan's Denard Robinson leaves Nebraska game with nerve injury in elbow

Denard Robinson is Michigan's most important player, and the Wolverines struggled after losing him against Nebraska. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Michigan lost quarterback Denard Robinson for the longest stretch of the season Saturday night against Nebraska due to what ESPN describes as a nerve injury in his right, throwing elbow.

ESPN said the injury, which occurred late in the second quarter, affected Robinson's ability to grip the ball.

Robinson sustained the injury while taking a hit on a 7-yard run in the red zone. He was rushing toward the left sideline, a situation in which he often jets out of bounds to avoid taking extra hits, but instead cut upfield trying to pick up a first down.

He did, but paid for it.

Redshirt freshman Russell Bellomy took over for Robinson, rushing once for 1 yard and throwing two incomplete passes. Michigan settled for a field goal.

Bellomy struggled in Robinson's place, misfiring on his first 10 pass attempts before hooking up with fullback Joe Kerridge late in the third quarter. He also tossed one pick in that stretch, which led to a field goal.

Robinson emerged after halftime wearing a large jacket, and could do nothing but watch from the sideline as Michigan's offense stalled without him.

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