Michigan DT Bryan Mone Has "Good Chance" to Miss Season after Breaking Leg

The first big injury news of the season for the Michigan Wolverines has hit.

As we reported in mid-August, there has been lots of speculation and rumors that sophomore defensive tackle Bryan Mone had suffered a serious injury that could keep him out for the 2015 season. Jim Harbaugh confirmed those rumors at his press conference on Thursday, stating that Mone has a "good chance" to miss the entire season.

According to Harbaugh, Mone broke a bone in his lower leg while blocking for Jabrill Peppers during a blocked field goal return during practice. Harbaugh added that it was a "freak play" that he had never seen before.

Though Michigan has talented depth at defensive tackle, this still is a big blow for the Wolverines. At 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, Mone was the biggest body that Michigan had on the defensive line and, according to practice reports, had forced the offensive line to double him, which in turn opened gaps for the rest of Michigan's front seven. No other Wolverine, except maybe Willie Henry, had that type of ability and skill set. Michigan still will rotate Henry, Ryan Glasgow, and Maurice Hurst, Jr., and Matt Godin at defensive tackle, but Mone's injury will impact Michigan's approach up front.

As a true freshman last season, Mone appeared in all 12 games, starting once against Penn State, and tallied nine tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Accordingly, Mone will be able to redshirt this season and preserve his sophomore season of eligibility. However, the bummer is that Mone, who is from Salt Lake City, Utah, will not be able to play in the opener against the Utes in front of his family and friends.