Jon Runyan Jr. expected to return for game vs. Wisconsin

Jon Runyan Jr. is expected to return to the field and make his 2019 debut for the Michigan Wolverines for this weekend’s game against Wisconsin, offensive line coach Ed Warinner told reporters on Wednesday. The Wolverines are set to get a critical piece back to the offensive line with their All-Big Ten left tackle set to get the start.

“Jon Runyan’s been practicing this week,” Warinner said. “He’s doing well. So should be able to get action this week.”

Warinner told the media that the reason he was dressed for both games was for “emergency” duty and to keep the opponents at bay and throw them off a bit. Warinner also shared that both he and guard Ben Bredeson watched film with him on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.

“That’s familiar ground, they’ve played next to each other for 13 games,” Warinner said. “A lot of practices. They’re very comfortable together.

”It gives us more guys that have played, more guys that you feel confident to put in games. I feel like we’re in a good place going into Wisconsin up front.”

Warinner said that the absence of Runyan did not have any factor in the offensive gameplan the first two weeks. He also left the door open that a rotation between redshirt freshmen could take place between Ryan Hayes, who started while he was out, and Jalen Mayfield at right tackle.

“We could. There’s nothing that would keep me from playing Ryan Hayes,” Warinner said. ”We haven’t made all those decisions yet. Sometimes you see how it’s going. I think you’ll probably see them both play.”