Michigan rules out Kalel Mullings, freshman receiver vs. Spartans

EAST LANSING, Mich. — We told you it was likely. Now it’s official.

Michigan will be without its short-yardage running back, Kalel Mullings, for a second straight game Saturday night against in-state rival Michigan State (7:30 p.m., NBC), after he was ruled out in the pregame player availability report.

Mullings also sat out last week’s win over Indiana, though he wasn’t needed. The Wolverines scored 52 unanswered points to bounce the Hoosiers without trouble, rushing for 163 yards and three touchdowns in the process.

Look for Michigan (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) to lean on starter Blake Corum early and transition to No. 2 Donovan Edwards. The game script will likely dictate what happens after that.

More: Michigan looks to set aside tunnel drama, ‘handle business’ vs. Spartans

In five games this season, Mullings — a former linebacker-turned-running back — rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown, averaging an efficient 6.4 yards per carry. This week, head coach Jim Harbaugh said we could see Mullings again “soon,” suggesting a return is near.

Look for it to happen in two weeks, Nov. 4 against Purdue, following the Wolverines’ bye week.

Elsewhere, true-freshman wide receiver Karmello English has also been ruled out, a surprise given his involvement so far this season. He’s appeared in six games so far, ruling out a redshirt year, catching one pass for four yards and a touchdown. He also returned a punt in the opener.

Sophomore running back C.J. Stokes is the third Michigan player ruled out tonight. He also only appeared in two games this season.

Defensively, sophomore safety Zeke Berry is listed as questionable after missing the last two games.

Michigan’s pregame availability report:

Out — WR Karmello English, RB Kalel Mullings, RB C.J. Stokes

Questionable — DB Zeke Berry, TE Marlin Klein