It hasn’t been a strong start to the season for Michigan running back Jordan Marshall. Through three games, Marshall has rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 4.0 yards per carry. Marshall averaged much more last season at 6.2 yards per carry.
While a dip in Marshall’s production can be attributed to mixed results from Michigan’s offensive line through the first three weeks, there is also an injury to Marshall that’s lingering. There were times last Saturday against UTEP where Marshall wasn’t
running at 100% and also
“He’s been slowed by a nagging injury,” Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham said on Monday. “He’s not at 100%. That has a lot to do with that.”
If Marshall remains at less than full strength, running back Savion Hiter will receive more carries. Hiter rushed for 62 yards last week versus UTEP with two scores.
“It’s a concern, but there’s never any excuses,” Whittingham said of Marshall’s injury. “If you’re out there, you’ve got to produce. If you’re not able to be out there, it’s next-man-up mentality. That guy’s got to produce. It’s just part of the game. For the whole rest of the season, guys are going to be bumped and bruised. You’ve just got to play through it. Deal with it as best you can.”
Whittingham said later in the day on Inside Michigan Football that Marshall will play on Saturday “unless there’s a setback.”
“He came out of this game feeling much better than what he came out of last game, so there’s progress there,” Whittingham said.
Michigan could really use a more healthy version of Marshall on Saturday. Savion Hiter is just three games into his freshman season, and while he’s been quite physical, he shouldn’t be expected to be an every-down back just yet. Iowa’s rushing defense ranks No. 11 in the nation and if Marshall can return to his 2025 form (or better), it’ll greatly aid Michigan’s rushing attack.
