Justice Haynes not with Michigan football for first bowl practice
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All signs point to Michigan football star running back Justice Haynes not playing for the Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Texas in Orlando on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
As the Wolverines started their first bowl practice in Winter Garden, Florida, Haynes was not with the team, though a program spokesperson told the Free Press he’s expected to fly down and join the team later. He has not 100% been ruled out, but the likelihood of him suiting up appears low.
In addition, the Wolverines also will likely be without a third captain, as linebacker Ernest Hausmann is still dealing with a personal issue and is not with the team, Michigan said.
The Wolverines were already expecting to be down edge rushers Jaishawn Barham and Derrick Moore, who have already turned the page to the NFL, as well as offensive lineman Gio El-Hadi, who is expected to do the same. El-Hadi and Moore are both captains.
As for Haynes, the Alabama transfer was unstoppable when he was on the field this year, but got injured after rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan State and wasn’t able to give it a go again.
He’s eligible for the NFL draft after three years in college, and considering he’s coming off a foot surgery, the downside appears to severely outweigh the upside of playing in the Citrus Bowl for the Wolverines.
Andrew Birkle is an assistant sports editor for the Free Press. Contact him via email at abirkle@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Justice Haynes not with Michigan football for first bowl practice
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