Junior safety Jordan Kovacs appeared to warm up with the secondary during the Michigan football team's practice Tuesday, but did not participate on the first-team snap that was available to the media.

Kovacs is dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of the 13th-ranked Wolverines' 36-14 win against Purdue last week. He did not practice last week, although safety Matt Cavanaugh wore Kovacs' No. 32 during Tuesday's open practice.

Thus, it is not a certainty the No. 32 at this week's practice was, in fact, Kovacs.

Coach Brady Hoke said earlier Tuesday that Kovacs ran on Sunday and "is feeling fine," but did not indicate whether he expected the junior to play Saturday against Iowa (noon, ESPN).

Hoke said on Monday that Kovacs, who had started 28 consecutive games before sitting last week, is "day-to-day."

Kovacs has 42 tackles this year, third on the team. He also has a team-leading three sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

In other injury news, the offensive line continues to be beset by bumps and bruises -- especially on the left side.

Junior left guard Ricky Barnum (ankle) did not appear to be at practice Tuesday. He did not warm up with the offensive lineman, nor was he with the first-team offense.

Barnum missed three games with an ankle injury before returning last week against Purdue. He left that game after injuring his other ankle. Sophomore Michael Schofield has been Barnum's replacement.

Meantime, sophomore left tackle Taylor Lewan (leg) was at practice and warmed up with the offensive linemen, but did not run with the first team offense.

On that first unit, senior Mark Huyge slid from right tackle to Lewan's left tackle spot, Schofield was at left guard and reserve Elliott Mealer was at right tackle. David Molk was at center and Patrick Omameh at right guard.

In the offensive backfield, junior running back Vincent Smith practiced with a heavily taped right ankle. Hoke said Saturday that Smith is a little beat up.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.