notebook: Michigan football team running backs receive mixed news, plus quarterbacks await decision

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Wednesday afternoon that Shaw received word he had passed a summer class that had kept his eligibility in question during summer camp.

Shaw expects to be part of a three- or four-back rotation at tailback.

A lingering knee injury will likely prevent Toussaint from joining the crowded backfield. Rodriguez said his status is doubtful.

Quarterbacks remain in dark

Rich Rodriguez may have made up his mind on who will start at quarterback, but he’s waiting until late in the week to share the news with the three contenders for the starting job.

He said he’ll speak with Denard Robinson, Devin Gardner and Tate Forcier individually over the next two days. No matter who starts, the game plan remains the same.

“All three have a similar skill set for what we want to accomplish offensively,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve had all three do the whole offense. We’re glad we did it that way, because it gives us more flexibility with our play-calling.”

Injury report

Jared Van Slyke bruised his collarbone during Tuesday’s team practice, and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.

Not only is Van Slyke the team’s backup free safety behind Cam Gordon, he’s one of the Wolverines’ holders on special teams.

Receivers Drew Dileo and Doug Rogan practiced as the team’s holder during training camp, so Rodriguez doesn’t see Van Slyke’s potential absence as a problem. “It’s kind of been a rotation” between the three, he said.

Pete Bigelow can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2556, via petebigelow@annarbor.com or contacted on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.