ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In Week 1, it appeared as if Michigan football team captain and senior tight end Marlin Klein was going to pick right up where Colston Loveland left off. Klein had six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown against New Mexico, and was quarterback Bryce Underwood’s favorite target in the game.
However, at some point in the week of practice leading up to the Week 2 game at Oklahoma, Klein was injured. He was listed as questionable on the injury report and was in uniform, but he didn’t play.
Klein returned in Week 3 against Central Michigan, but he was obviously limited. In the past three games, he’s had five receptions for just 44 yards. Now, with a big game at USC forthcoming, Klein says he’s 100% and ready to go.
“It was obviously a tough time, getting injured right before one of the biggest games of the season and something I was looking forward to, obviously,” Klein said. “But I’m doing good now and just excited to be back with the boys.”
It’s one thing to be without Klein, but he’s not even the receiving threat in the tight ends room that many fans were excited about. Hogan Hansen has been injured since spring ball and has continued to work his way back. Thus far, he’s appeared in two games — at Oklahoma (10 snaps, no targets) and against Central Michigan. He had three catches for 43 yards against the Chippewas and certainly looked the part. Yet, the injury remains, and Hansen has missed the past two games against Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Klein spoke about how having both on the field at the same time could really help the offense, so they’re both working to get as healthy as possible to make that a reality. Even so, Klein says that, in the interim, wide receiver Donaven McCulley — coming off his best game as a Wolverine — gives Underwood another big target to go after in the forthcoming weeks.
“I think we’re two tight ends that can help this offense tremendously,” Klein said. “We believe that we’re two of the best in the country, and when we’re healthy and out there together, it should be something great for our offense. Two guys that are bigger, faster, and easier for a quarterback to see on the field. So that’s something I’m sure Bryce is looking forward to, but obviously, we also have a guy that’s wearing No. 1 (McCulley), who you guys were able to see what he can do, who’s not the shortest receiver out there. So he can make plays, and I’m just happy for him as well that him being able to show you guys what he can do.”
Fans will be able to see Klein and likely Hansen (who Sherrone Moore said is ‘probable’ this weekend) against USC on Saturday. Kickoff will be at 4:30 p.m. PDT at the LA Memorial Coliseum with the game set to broadcast on NBC.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan TE Marlin Klein back to full strength, eager to help offense vs. USC
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
