The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/99673
michigan in the pros Charles Woodson Close To Returning From Injury "I didn't beat double coverage and triple coverage or whatever they were throwing at us. I take it as a slap in my face when guys talk about my lack of ability to do something against them when they have help all over the place." Woodson called Marshall's comments "corny." "I don't really appreciate the man speaking my name," he said. "I don't know Brandon. But we're NFC North champions. That's all I care about." Steve Breaston Looking For An Opportunity Woodson, who has posted 38 tackles and one interception in six games in 2012, is on the mend from a fractured collarbone suffered Oct. 21 and he expects to be ready for the playoffs. Photo by Jim Biever/courtesy Green Bay Packers T By Chris Balas he injury bug has hit former Michigan players hard this year, with several out for the year with different breaks, tears, etc. Three offensive linemen alone — Jake Long (Miami), Steve Hutchinson (Tennessee) and David Molk (San Diego) — will miss the remainder of the season, while others are also dealing with their own setbacks. The news is better for Green Bay standout and former Michigan cornerback and Heisman winner Charles Woodson following an injury suffered Oct. 21. Woodson is getting closer to a return from a fractured collarbone, ESPN.com reports, and was close to playing in a 21-13 win at Chicago Dec. 16 that clinched the NFC North. "Right now the team is playing well, and we felt like they could come down here and get a 'W' whether I played or 78 the wolverine January 2013 not," Woodson said. "And they did. The consensus is that when I do come back, we're going to make sure it's 100 percent. That's it." Woodson added he'd "much rather" return before the playoffs to get back up to game speed, but he's willing to wait, if necessary, to ensure he could make it through a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, his war of words with Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall continued even though Woodson didn't play. Marshall got the corner's attention with his pregame comments aimed at him. "I had this game marked since we played them last," Marshall said. "I heard exactly what he was saying after the game … those guys do a lot of talking. Coach [Dom] Capers did an amazing job of game planning us and game planning me. Only a few seasons ago, former Michigan receiver Steve Breaston was a 1,000-yard receiver in Arizona. Today he's been a healthy scratch in four of the past five games, apparently the subject of head coach Romeo Crennel's discontent after the coach said Breaston "needs to show that he has a great understanding of the game plan and he can execute the game plan. If he can do that, then he can be in uniform." Breaston was stunned upon hearing the coach's comments, saying Crennel hadn't told him anything similar. "I think I understand the offense," he told the Kansas City Star. "They may feel a different way, then so be it. You can't fight City Hall. I go out there and work." Crennel later implied his words were taken out of context, saying they applied to everyone, not just Breaston. He then praised his receiver's attitude and understanding of the game. Breaston is expected to play more down the stretch, according to reports. NFL Player Updates Through games of Dec. 17 • Jason Avant (Played at U-M from 2002-05), WR, Philadelphia Eagles: Has notched 41 receptions for 539 yards through 12 games (five starts) for the 4-10 Eagles. • David Baas (2001-04), C, New York Giants: Has started at center in all 14 games for 8-6 New York. • Jeff Backus (1997-2000), OT, Detroit Lions: Had started 186 straight regular-season games before seeing his streak end Thanksgiving Day due to a hamstring injury … Has started 13 games this season for the 4-10 Lions. • Tom Brady (1997-99), QB, New England Patriots: Has connected on 355 of 560 passes for 4,276 yards with 30