Initial injury reports encouraging for Edwards, Winovich

Angelique S. Chengelis
The Detroit News
Michigan running back Berkley Edwards is carried off the field after being injured in the fourth quarter.  Indiana linebacker Cam Jones was ejected with a targeting call after the play.

Ann Arbor — Berkley Edwards was hit hard by a player ejected for targeting and left the field on a backboard on a motorized cart. Starting defensive end Chase Winovich also suffered an undisclosed injury and was able walk off the field directly to the locker room

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh sounded encouraged by the medical reports on both players after the Wolverines’ 31-20 win over Indiana at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. Edwards suffered a concussion and Winovich’s X-rays were negative.

Edwards was hit by Cam Jones on a kickoff return in the fourth quarter.

“Everything looked good when he left the stadium. He did have a concussion. He had a pretty good-sized concussion. He looked good when he left here, but he was taken to the hospital for precautions. We’ll have later updates there. He was responding, talking and moving, so felt good that doctors have it well under control. Prayers for him.”

Senior running back Karan Higdon was visibly irate on the field as the medical staff hovered around Edwards trying to assess the situation. Higdon said it “shook the team up a little bit.”

He was asked if the thought it was a cheap shot.

“Most definitely,” Higdon said. “It wasn’t called for. It’s football, so things like that happen that shouldn’t happen but they do. You just got to continue playing. I hope he’s doing well. That’s unfortunate that happened.”

Michigan defensive lineman Chase Winovich lays on the ground after being injured in the third quarter.

In the third quarter, Winovich also had to be tended to by the medical training staff and eventually left the field under his own power and went directly to the locker room.

“Things are progressing well with Chase,” Harbaugh said after the game. “X-rays were negative here at the stadium and took him to the hospital as well for further tests, CAT-scan, etcetera, and those came out negative. Think we’re in a good place there.”

Harbaugh would not specify what was being tested.

He was asked if he’s optimistic Winovich will be able to play at Ohio State next week.

“Don’t know,” Harbaugh said.

achengelis@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @chengelis