Hoke updates Denard’s status, more (w/ video)

**Full Presser Video** Head Coach Brady Hoke updated Denard Robinson’s progress heading into Minnesota along with the competition for the back-up spot if the senior captain can’t go on Saturday.

The injury to senior quarterback Denard Robinson Saturday night at Nebraska was one of 2012’s worst-case scenarios for the Wolverines in 2012. Redshirt freshman Russell Bellomy was thrown to the wolves in a hostile environment and in a game Michigan needed to win to remain in control of their chances to win the Legends division title.

After the ugly performance out of the offense and the unsettled issue with Robinson’s elbow/hand, Michigan slid junior wide receiver Devin Gardner back over to the quarterback position in practice in an effort to get the trio of QB’s as many snaps as possible leading up to Minnesota.

“Denard took some, Devin took a lot, and Russell took a couple,” said Hoke at his Wednesday presser.

“Part of that was to get a little more snaps for Devin,” added Hoke. “Devin hasn’t taken a ton of snaps throughout the process. He’s taken snaps but not a ton of them, so we wanted to get him back a little fresher.”

As for Robinson, his status remains unclear prior to Saturday’s kickoff against the Golden Gophers.

“He’s better, its not all the way cleared up yet but he’s better,” said Hoke.

Should Robinson not be able to go at Minnesota, Hoke remained tight lipped on who his back-up quarterback might be with Gardner and Bellomy competing in practice throughout the week.

If Gardner’s number is the one called upon, this would be his first game action at quarterback since attempting one pass in the Wolverines win over Nebraska during the 2011 season.

“We’ll see who competes the best,” said Hoke. “If we decide Denard isn’t good enough, and we expect him to be good enough, then we’ll make a decision.”

To watch video of Hoke’s press conference, press play below.