Michigan’s Offensive Line Faces Continued challenge as Starting Left Guard Giovanni El-Hadi Remains Sidelined
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines will be without starting left guard Giovanni El-Hadi for several more weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during their September 6th loss at Oklahoma, acting head coach Bill Poggi announced Monday. El-Hadi, a fifth-year player and second-year starter, also missed Saturday’s win against Central Michigan and is projected to miss the initial Big Ten contests.
The injury to El-Hadi adds complexity to Michigan’s offensive line, though the team may receive a boost with the potential return of right guard Brady Norton, who sat out the Central Michigan game and is expected to practise this week. Simultaneously occurring, the Wolverines anticipate the return of a key defensive player.
Safety Rod Moore, a 2023 third-team All-Big Ten selection known for his game-winning interception against Ohio State, is poised to make his season debut at Nebraska this Saturday. Moore has been sidelined as spring practice of 2024 after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus, requiring a second meniscus repair that further delayed his recovery. He received medical clearance for the Central Michigan game and participated in warm-ups. Poggi expressed confidence in Moore’s availability for the game against the Cornhuskers.
Throughout his career, Moore has accumulated 141 tackles, six interceptions, and 13 passes defended. the 21st-ranked Wolverines will need his experience as they head into a challenging Big Ten schedule.
