Defensive end Will Johnson is “expected to miss” tonight’s game against Michigan State, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Johnson left last week against Illinois after a streak. Johnson has been somewhat plagued by injuries since coming to Ann Arbor, missing several games due to injury.

The Wolverines won’t have an easy task Saturday without Johnson. As fans saw last week against Illinois, veteran Aamir Hall stepped in and played OK, but the secondary had several penalties without Johnson in the game that extended drives. When the Spartans take the field against Michigan, Aidan Chiles developed a great connection with freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh, who was electric.

Now either Jyaire Hill or Hall will be tasked with defending the sensational freshman. The Wolverines enter the game as four-point favorites, according to DraftKings Sportsbook , but depending on how the injury report looks for Michigan — some money could go to Michigan State.

In six games between time and game time, Johnson tallied 14 tackles, five pass deflections, two interceptions and two defensive scores for the Wolverines.

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