Michigan could be without its best offensive weapon against Ohio State as there’s “increasing pessimism” about tight end Colston Loveland’s status, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The Wolverines enter the annual rivalry showdown as nearly three-touchdown underdogs, setting the stage for what could be a lopsided affair at Ohio Stadium (Noon, FOX). Earlier this week, head coach Sherrone Moore left the door open for tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson to play.

Michigan is expected to be without star defensive back Will Johnson on Saturday when the Wolverines take on No. 2 Ohio State.

We are on the doorstep of another Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry game and there are plenty of storylines to watch. One of those is the status of Wolverine star defensive back, Will Johnson, widely regarded as a first-round NFL draft pick come April.

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is not expected to play against Ohio State on Saturday, leaving the Wolverines without their top defensive back and the program's highest-regarded NFL draft prospect.

Johnson was last seen in uniform in the first half of Week 8 against Illinois. But he hasn’t dressed since. And now, with rival Ohio State coming up, the Wolverines need him more than ever. But that’s looking increasingly unlikely.