Injured Rashan Gary's status remains unclear for Michigan

Ann Arbor — The status of Michigan starting defensive end Rashan Gary, first-team All-Big Ten last season, remains uncertain.

Gary has been sidelined the last three games because of an AC joint issue in his right shoulder. He did not travel with the Wolverines to Michigan State last Saturday.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was asked Monday if this is a season-ending injury or if Gary will be back.

“I don’t know,” Harbaugh said.

Gary, a junior, did practice last week.

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“He’s made progress,” Harbaugh said at his weekly news conference. “He practiced last week but he didn’t feel like he could play in the game, so that was the decision made not to play in the game.”

Harbaugh said nothing has been discussed regarding Gary sitting the rest of the season. Ohio State’s highly talented defensive end Nick Bosa, also injured this season, last week announced he will not return this season and will instead prepare for the NFL Draft.

“No,” Harbaugh said referring to Gary and his future. “Hasn’t indicated that.”

Gary's mother, Jennifer Shepherd, tweeted Monday, "Unless you truly know, don't believe what you hear ..."

Is Tarik Black back?

Receiver Tarik Black, who broke his right foot the week before the season opener, made his first appearance of the season at Michigan State, although he did not play.

Black when through warmups and was on the field for a play before a timeout. He did not return to the field.

Harbaugh said Black was cleared by doctors last week to play.

“Practiced limited during the week,” Harbaugh said. “Wanted to get him back out there.”

He was asked if Black is full go.

“Don’t know exactly,” Harbaugh said.

Bushell-Beatty update

Harbaugh said he hadn’t seen right tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty, who was injured and had to leave the Michigan State game, so could not offer an update on his status.

Andrew Stueber replaced Bushell-Beatty. James Hudson had been the backup.

“He’s done a good job,” Harbaugh said of Stueber. “He’s progressing well. Went a little bit ahead. James had dislocated a finger in the previous ball game (against Wisconsin) so Andrew had more reps and went ahead on the depth chart for this week.”

Quotable

Harbaugh on the bye this week: ”We call it an improvement week. We’ll set out to do that. Still got a long way to go and a lot of big games ahead. Also want to practice some of our younger players, on the verge of getting playing time or had some playing time. Put them over the top with the work they’ll do this week and next.”

achengelis@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @chengelis