Michigan football likely without two starting offensive lineman vs. Northwestern

The Michigan football offensive line could face a significant challenge against Northwestern if a pattern from pre-game warmups holds true during the game.

Neither right guard Zak Zinter (leg) nor left guard Trevor Keegan (shoulder) took reps with the first-string offensive line after dropping out against Nebraska before the bye. Zinter was on the field for warmups Saturday while Keegan was not.

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The first-string offensive line was LT Ryan Hayes, LG Chuck Filiaga, C Andrew Vastardis, RG Karsen Barnhart and RT Andrew Stueber. Filiaga and Barnhart alternated sides.

Following the win over Nebraska, coach Jim Harbaugh intimated that Zinter and Keegan entered the game with preexisting injuries when he told reporters both players lasted as long as they could. When the Wolverines returned from the bye week, Harbaugh said he thought there was a chance all three of U-M's injured players could return: Zinter, Keegan and wide receiver Roman Wilson (hand).

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Wilson, who missed the game against Nebraska, was on the field for warmups Saturday with a protective wrap on his left hand and wrist. He wore a protective splint throughout the week and was still wearing it when he arrived at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, according to a report from WolverinesWire.

It's unclear if Wilson will play against the Wildcats.

Without Wilson, quarterback Cade McNamara made wide receiver Daylen Baldwin (six catches, 64 yards) one of his primary targets in Nebraska. Reserve wideout Mike Sainristil also played a larger role by catching a 48-yard pass.

Defensive end Taylor Upshaw (undisclosed injury) is also unavailable for the Wolverines, according to a U-M spokesman.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football likely without 2 starting OL vs. Northwestern