Michigan running back Brandon Minor's status uncertain for Ohio State

ANN ARBOR - Br andon Minor’s availability for Saturday’s Michigan-Ohio State game is uncertain because of a left shoulder injury.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Monday that Minor is day to day. Minor played sparingly in last week’s loss to Wisconsin, and told an autograph seeker after the game that he was in so much pain he couldn’t lift his arm.

Michigan running back Brandon Minor bolts through the Purdue line before heading upfield for a 55-yard touchdown run during the second quarter against Purdue.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

“It’s concerning,” Rodriguez said. “I guess you can’t predict how much the next 48 hours or so will do for his improvement.”

Minor aggravated the injury, which he suffered early in a Nov. 7 loss to Purdue, in the first half against Wisconsin. The high ankle sprain that nagged Minor most the year was not an issue against the Badgers, Rodriguez said.

Vincent Smith caught seven passes for 54 yards and had eight carries in Minor’s place.

With high stakes this weekend - the Wolverines (5-6, 1-6) need a win to become bowl eligible and haven't beaten Ohio State since 2003 - could a miracle recovery for Minor be in the works?

“Brandon’s a tough guy,” Rodriguez said. “He’ll go if he can.”

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.