Michigan will be missing one of its best defensive players for Saturday’s game against No. 1 Oregon.

Standout cornerback Will Johnson will miss his second straight game for the Wolverines with a lower-body injury, ESPN reports. Pete Thamel.

Johnson was injured in the first half of Michigan’s 21-7 loss to Illinois on October 19. According to Thamel, the timing of his return to the field is uncertain.

Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore did not provide a specific date for Johnson’s return, but still expected him to return before the end of the season.

“He will definitely play again this season,” Moore said Monday. Grant Grubbs From On3.com. “We’ll see how things go this week and what he can do. So let’s leave it to the doctors… Will has no plans to close the facility or anything like that.”

After playing a key role in Michigan’s 2023 undefeated campaign that culminated in a national championship, Johnson is off to another strong start in 2024. In six games, he recorded 14 tackles and three passes defensively and made two shots.

Both of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

He was also the No. 5 overall pick in the most recent 2025 NFL draft class. big board From Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department. B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings He was impressed with Johnson’s ability to remain effective in coverage despite his larger frame than most cornerbacks.

“Will Johnson projects as one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft, with the potential to be an impressive player early in his NFL career,” Giddings wrote in his scouting report. “His combination of size, length, physicality and coverage versatility make him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.”

Without Johnson, the rest of the Wolverines’ secondary will have to make a move against the Ducks team that owns it. second best He led the offense to a perfect 8-0 record in the Big Ten.

Kickoff on Saturday is at 3:30 PM ET.