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Michigan football availability report vs. Purdue: Wolverines near full health

Michigan's Kalel Mullings (20) rushes against Nebraska's Tamon Lynum (15) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. Michigan defeated Nebraska 45-7.
Michigan's Kalel Mullings (20) rushes against Nebraska's Tamon Lynum (15) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. Michigan defeated Nebraska 45-7.

The Michigan football team is about as close to full health as possible considering the time of year.

The No. 2 ranked Wolverines (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) will be without three players Saturday night against Purdue (7:30 p.m., NBC) in a rematch of last year's Big Ten championship game: quarterback Davis Warren, running back C.J. Stokes and cornerback Keshaun Harris.

Michigan is expecting the return of running back Kalel Mullings who hasn't played since Oct. 7 at Minnesota with a hand injury. Mullings is listed as questionable, however coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week the expectation is for him to play. Prior to missing the past three contests, Mullings had emerged as U-M's third-down back. He has 23 carries for 147 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and one touchdown.

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Warren, the fourth stringer, hasn't played since Week 5 at Nebraska. He's 0-for-5 passing with an interception, and has two carries for minus-four rushing yards in three games.

Stokes, who some thought would be the third running back coming into the year, hasn't played since Week 2 vs. UNLV. The sophomore has run four times for eight yards.

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Harris is a former walk-on who made the first start of his career Week 1 vs. East Carolina. The 5-foot-11, 192-pounder out of Lansing Waverly has 11 tackles including 1½ for loss on the season.

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Meanwhile, defensive backs Amorion Walker and DJ Waller are both listed as questionable. Walker missed the first four games of the season with a lower body injury, but returned against Nebraska.

Waller has been one of U-M's best freshmen. He has 11 tackles on the year, including a season-high three two weeks ago against MSU.

Michigan is a 32½-point favorite against Purdue (2-6, 1-4 Big Ten).

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football injury report: Near full strength vs. Purdue