Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland is officially back, and the good news couldn’t have arrived at a better time. His absence last week during the Wolverine’s win over USC saw him sit out due to a shoulder injury, but the talented junior should be back in the next Michigan match against Minnesota. Loveland first injured his shoulder during a grueling Michigan win against Arkansas State on September 14th. Though the injury was not graded as severe, the team was prudent; thus, they did not put him on the field in the USC match to be sure he had fully recovered.

Ahead of their Week 5 game, Loveland assured Fox Sports Jenny Taft that he is ‘feeling good’ about the game. This comes after the Wolverines missed Loveland’s presence when they were held to low numbers in the passing game. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore also agreed with this move, noting that Loveland “could have played last week against USC,” but instead, they decided to let him have more rest. Now, with Loveland back in the fold, the Wolverines should expect a boost in the offense that has not been so prominent.

Much as this may be true, Loveland’s comeback could not have been timed any better. Before his injury, the 6’5″ tight end was off to a stellar start in the 2024 season, racking up 19 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown in just three games. The man had eight receptions in each of the first two games, and such performances are career highs, proving how valuable a player he is for the team. Wolverines’ passing game has struggled this season. The Wolverines threw for only 32 yards in a victory against USC, and Loveland’s return will add depth to the offense.

The Wolverine offense, as you might agree, has been more of an on-off affair. The groundwork spearheaded by running back Kalel Mullings has been good (he had 159 yards rushing against USC), but the passing game hasn’t followed suit. Quarterback Alex Orji struggled when up against the Trojans, only throwing for 32 yards, which could only have caused some stir. Alex is a true Christian, in a press conference mentioned that he gets his confidence from Jesus. Guess Alex Orji’s prayers have been answered!

That’s where Loveland comes in as a well-established and credible. Coach Moore said, in his words, that having Loveland back gives the offense “a dynamic element that has been missing”. How he can use his speed in stretching the field and be a safety valve in the final moments of Michigan’s games could turn it in their favor against Minnesota. He has been one of the most consistent playmakers this season, and that’s always will be a plus for a Wolverine side, that is already 3-1 this year.

Turning the corner after USC’s victory

Coach Moore understands the importance of Loveland’s return. Loveland is back, and this adds an offensive dimension that had been lacking. When Michigan steps on the field to face Minnesota, they will be expecting a lot out of Loveland especially with the Wolverines struggling to deliver like some of the best Big Ten teams out there.

Although the victory over USC was a squeaker, it was an important turning point for the team. The Wolverines edged 27-24 in the game, and despite a decent showing by Mullings, what won it for the Wolverines was his performance on the ground. Nonetheless, despite the woes that plagued the passing game, Michigan’s defense stood tall, keeping the Trojans’ potent offense at bay. It is quite clear that the Wolverines have a lot of work, even as they seek to make more diversification on the offense. Sherrone Moore wasn’t shy about it, either. He admitted that the offense needs to “find more consistency” if they want to contend for the Big Ten title.

As attractive as it sounds, the Wolverines’ defense has been holding its own, but the offense is yet to find form. Heavy hitters: Johnson and Stewart might not be able to suit up for the Minnesota game due to injuries, so the Wolverines get their work cut out offensively. That means getting the ball to Loveland and keeping the chains moving through the air an element which they struggled to demonstrate against USC. And with their star tight end back in the lineup, Michigan’s wideouts should be back in business.

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