Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy says lingering ankle injury ‘almost healed’
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — J.J. McCarthy reported on Monday that he is in improved condition after dealing with a persistent ankle injury in recent weeks.
The Michigan quarterback shared with reporters during a conference call leading up to Saturday’s Big Ten championship game against Iowa (8 p.m., FOX) that his ankle issue is “almost fully healed.” He indicated no intention to rest it during the upcoming weekend. McCarthy has not disclosed specific details about the injury, its severity, or its origin, choosing instead to play through the discomfort.
Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy two -word message said ‘almost healed’
Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy says lingering ankle injury ‘almost healed’
“It was a challenging couple of weeks, but the athletic training staff did an exceptional job, and I diligently pursued treatment every day,” McCarthy stated. “It’s progressing well; thank you for asking.”
During the Wolverines’ victory at Penn State on Nov. 11, McCarthy was visibly hindered, attempting only eight passes and running the ball eight times for 34 yards. In the subsequent week against Maryland, he had no planned runs, rushing just twice for negative-7 yards.
However, McCarthy showcased a more familiar performance last Saturday against Ohio State, completing 16 of 20 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed four times for 17 yards, including a notable 15-yard scramble in the third quarter.
“I believe he’s in better condition,” commented Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore on Monday. “He demonstrated that when he took off and ran down the sideline, surpassing those guys. He’s feeling good.”
Once considered a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, McCarthy has been a driving force for the Michigan offense this season. Across 12 games, he has thrown for 2,483 yards and 19 touchdowns (with only four interceptions) and rushed for 181 yards and three touchdowns. His completion rate of 74.3% ranks second nationally, and his QB rating (176.76) currently stands fifth.
With a current record of 12-0, the Wolverines are vying for their third consecutive Big Ten title. A win against Iowa would also secure a place for them in the College Football Playoff.
In last year’s game against Iowa, McCarthy finished 18 of 24 for 155 yards and a touchdown in a 27-14 victory. Two years ago, he participated in the Big Ten title game against the Hawkeyes in a backup role, rushing four times for 23 yards while throwing an interception.
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