Michigan center David Molk out 4 to 6 weeks with a broken foot
For the last 15 games, center David Molk has been Michigan’s most consistent offensive lineman. For the next four to six weeks, he’ll be out of action.
Molk broke a bone in his foot in Saturday’s 45-17 win over Eastern Michigan and will be out at least month, coach Rich Rodriguez announced Monday.
The injury occurred in the first half Saturday, but Molk played through the pain and was one of Michigan’s Offensive Players of the Game. He was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday.
“That’s a tough blow because not only does he play center, the leader of the line, but David is not just one of our best lineman but he's one of our best football players, period,” Rodriguez said. “We’ll have to adjust a little bit and make some moves and try to keep rolling there.”
Right guard David Moosman, who missed the Eastern game with a shoulder injury, is expected to practice this week and likely will start at center in Molk’s place. Rocko Khoury also will take snaps at center.
John Ferrara started at guard in place of Moosman on Saturday.
“We have a little flexibility there at some of the guard and tackle positions, but the center’s the key one,” Rodriguez said. “It all starts right there, and David has been playing at a very high level. … Hopefully we’ll get him back somewhere in a few weeks.”
Molk’s injury aside, Michigan (3-0) is relatively healthy heading into this week's Big Ten opener against Indiana (3-0).
Safety Mike Williams is day-to-day with a sprained left ankle, backup offensive lineman Tim McAvoy, who started five games last year, could return this week from a preseason leg injury, and Brandon Minor continues to be bothered by a nagging ankle sprain.
Minor pulled himself against Eastern after three carries. Rodriguez said he doesn’t have the type of injury that will be cured by a week of rest.
“What we’ve told him is he’s got to be honest with us,” Rodriguez said. “When it is bothering him, particularly when it’s to the point it’s bothering him where he doesn’t feel he can be himself, then he’s got to let us know. And he was that way Saturday.”
Comments
azwolverine
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 8:02 p.m.
tx, I agree with your assessment to sit Minor until he's ready to roll. My only fear in that is, we've got MSU coming up in two weeks. I would definitely sit him this week and see how he feels midway through MSU week practices. Brown is a stud as are our other backs, I'm just thinking the way UM-MSU games go, we're going to need someone who can bang out a few tough yards every now and again. Maybe use him only in limited situations? Hopefully he'll get better quickly, but they should definitely sit him out this week.
Txmaizenblue
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 6:13 p.m.
I think they should sit Minor til Penn State. He's no good to the team @ 80%. Michigan is going to need the extra dimension he gives them in the running games when they match-up against Penn State and Ohio State. Hopefully, Molk being out does not blowup the offensive rhythm.
truebluefan
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 4:26 p.m.
This is a fairly significant setback considering how well Molk has played this season. Center is probably, technically speaking, the toughest position on the O line. But, the O line has good depth so it should be fairly seamless until Molk comes back.
michboy40
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 4:25 p.m.
This could really hurt. This guy is a beast from what I see and hear. Strongest player on the team.
tater
Mon, Sep 21, 2009 : 2:48 p.m.
Yeah, but he'll be back for OSU.