Will Hart or Henne Play On Saturday?

First things first, I have to pat Chad Henne on the back for his performance against Illinois. After suffering an injury to his throwing shoulder on a sack, Henne left the game and headed to the locker room. In the time he was gone, Michigan didn't score a single touchdown. With that, Henne came back into the game in the second quarter and got Michigan the lead going into the half. Problem is, right after he threw the touchdown pass to Adrian Arrington to put Michigan on top, the expression on his face was one of great pain. Henne ran off to the locker room early and wouldn't go back into the game until the fourth quarter. Once he was back, though, Michigan went on top for good to win the game.

What amazes me is that Henne returned at all after appearing to be in so much pain, but as a senior quarterback, I guess he was just doing his job. The severity of Henne's shoulder injury is obviously unknown since Lloyd Carr won't divulge that kind of information, but the general consensus is that he is probably could play against Minnesota. Just because he could doesn't mean he will. I would guess that Ryan Mallett starts and plays the entire game as long as everything goes as it should. The only way I could see Henne play is if it was only for a series or two, but I really don't see a point in doing that as it could only risk further injury.

Moving on to another wounded member of the backfield, many are wondering what the status of Mike Hart is for Saturday. Apparently he medically was cleared to play against Illinois, but due to the fact that he was still too hurt to be effective, he and the coaches decided to keep him out. For the Minnesota game, I would say that he is in the same boat as Chad Henne. Hart probably could play against the Gophers, but again, why risk any further injury?

The way I see it is that both Hart and Henne have to be healthy for the stretch run in November. That means that both have to be completely ready to go by November 3rd against Michigan State. Playing them against Minnesota can only do more harm than good in regards to their injuries, so in my opinion, resting them is the best option. There is no way either would play the entire game if they suited up and started, but a lot could happen in one series. I guess I would say that the risk outweighs the reward far too much to tempt anything. Another injury that puts either one on the shelves any longer could do in the season, and while in the middle of a Big Ten title race, that simply is unneeded.