Michigan's Blake Corum to Miss Spring Practice amid Knee Injury Rehab

Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum will miss the team's spring practice, which is slated to begin this week, head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Thursday, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

Corum, who tore the meniscus in his left knee on Nov. 19 against Illinois, underwent surgery in December. He's expected to be full-go by early this summer.

Harbaugh said of Corum's status, via Zach Shaw of 247Sports:

"He's out there every day. He's not going through the drills, as he had surgery. Give it the time that's needed to recover, and build the strength back. He's in a great place. Every guy that's not participating in spring ball, they're actively participating in strength and conditioning. They're actively fulfilling the protocols that the doctors have for their rehabilitation. I don't see anybody loafing or taking it easy. Still got the sweat all over the shirt, so it's good. Guys are doing what the experts are telling them to do right now."

Corum could have declared for the 2023 NFL draft this spring, but he opted to return to Michigan for a fourth season.

The 22-year-old had an impressive junior season in 2022, rushing for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns in 12 games. He ranked eighth nationally in rushing yards, 10th in yards per carry, third in rushing touchdowns and second in rushing first downs.

Corum was widely considered a Heisman Trophy favorite before being sidelined with the knee ailment. He finished seventh in voting behind six of the nation's top quarterbacks in Caleb Williams, Max Duggan, C.J. Stroud, Stetson Bennett, Hendon Hooker and Bryce Young.

With Corum set to return to Michigan in 2023, the Wolverines are expected to have one of the best run games in the country as Donovan Edwards also remains on the roster.

Edwards had a brilliant sophomore season, rushing for 991 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. He was impressive in Corum's absence, rushing for 520 yards in three scores in three games.

The Wolverines have some unfinished business to attend to this season after falling to TCU in the College Football Playoff. The team will be eyeing a spot in the national championship game in 2023.