Sources say Michigan is without top playmaker Will Johnson against Oregon

Michigan State running back Will Johnson will be out against No. 1 Oregon State on Saturday, leaving the Wolverines without their top defensive player, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Johnson left the Illinois game on Oct. 19 with a lower-body injury and missed the Michigan State game last week. He is still recovering from the lower body injury, and the timeline for his return is uncertain.

Michigan coach Sherwin Moore said this week that Johnson is expected to return at some point this season “absolutely” but did not specify when.

Johnson is considered one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. He has delivered two pick-sixes this year for the Wolverines, returning interceptions 86 yards against Fresno State and 42 yards against USC.

Last season, he had four interceptions for the Wolverines and earned defensive MVP honors in the 2023 national championship game.

Johnson’s expected absence was first reported by 247Sports.