Fitz Toussaint is a redshirt freshman from Youngstown, Ohio. (John T. Greilick / The Detroit News)
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has had 57 carries in two games.
Michigan's running backs have had 43, including 41 by Michael Shaw and Vincent Smith.
That said, the Wolverines appear to be getting closer to becoming fully healthy at running back, and that means the return of Fitz Toussaint, who has missed the first two games with a knee injury. Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Toussaint could play Saturday against Massachusetts at Michigan Stadium.
"He'll probably be ready to play," Rodriguez said Wednesday during a teleconference. "I don't know how much he will play, but he should be healthy enough to play."
Toussaint received plenty of praise from his coaches coming out of spring practice and into preseason camp. Fred Jackson, Michigan running backs coach, said Toussaint has "great feet, acceleration, strength, power," and compared him to former U-M Doak Walker winner Chris Perry.
He could be the boost in the running game Michigan could use, although Robinson seems to be doing just fine averaging 227.5 yards.
Smith and Shaw have each scored a rushing touchdown, and freshman back Stephen Hopkins had his first career carry last Saturday at Notre Dame and made it count, scoring from one yard.
Injury update
Receiver Junior Hemingway (hamstring) remains doubtful, Rodriguez said, while hybrid Carvin Johnson (MCL sprain) is progressing well.
"I don't know if he'll be back next week or not," Rodriguez said of Johnson. "Hoping within a week or two."
Mealer feature
The Big Ten Network will air a feature on Brock Mealer, brother of Michigan offensive lineman Elliott Mealer. Brock Mealer defied the odds by walking again after he was injured in a serious automobile accident, and he led the Wolverines onto the field before the season-opener against Connecticut on Sept. 4.
The feature includes several interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of Mealer working with Michigan's strength staff.
It will air at 10:30 a.m. during the pre-game show before Michigan's game against Massachusetts at noon on the Big Ten Network.
He said it
Rodriguez on whether the 2-0 start has changed him: "Am I a different guy now than I was two weeks ago? Same guy, same coaches, same players, same staff, same people. We have won two games. If somebody's perception changes that, I hope if it changes for the better, that's good. If it changes for the worse, that's not good."
Big winners
Here are the top five BCS schools by football winning percentage:
1. Michigan: 879-302-36 (.737)
2. Notre Dame: 838-291-42 (.734)
3. Texas: 847-318-33 (.721)
4. Ohio State: 821-308-53 (.717)
5. Oklahoma: 801-302-53 (.716)
By the numbers
14: The longest active consecutive starts streak, shared by five players -- nose tackle Mike Martin, long snapper Tom Pomarico, linebacker Craig Roh, left guard Steve Schilling and defensive end Ryan Van Bergen.
142: Different opponents Michigan has faced, including UMass.
Join the Conversation
The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.