ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Friday that there is “increasing pessimism” surrounding the status of star forward Colston Loveland, who was reportedly limited in practice all week after leaving last week’s game against Northwestern with a shoulder injury.

Sources: There is growing pessimism about the availability of Michigan TE Colston Loveland for Saturday’s game at No. 2 Ohio State. He did not play in the second half of the Northwestern game due to an undisclosed injury and was limited in practices all week. pic.twitter.com/1z4xZKaKSo

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 29, 2024

If Loveland is sidelined, Michigan will be without two of its biggest stars, as cornerback Will Johnson is also not expected to play in the Game due to a toe injury he suffered in October.

Loveland was one of the best tight ends in all of college football this season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns in ten games. He was named this week as one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, along with Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

The loss of Loveland is one that Michigan can hardly afford as its passing offense has been one of the worst in the country, even with Loveland having more than twice as many receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns as any other Wolverine this year. No other Wolverine has caught more than 23 passes, 234 yards or two touchdowns, leaving the maize and blue with a serious lack of weapons to test Ohio State’s No. 1 defense.

The 120th edition of The Game starts Saturday at noon at Ohio Stadium and will be broadcast on FOX.