Michigan football encouraged by WR Tarik Black's rehab progress

No one seems to know the exact date. 

But Michigan football seems more confident second-year receiver Tarik Black will play at some point this season. 

"We've been gaining confidence every day at practice," quarterback Shea Patterson said Tuesday. "Having guys like (tight end) Nick (Eubanks) and (receiver) Nico (Collins) and possibly Tarik back, it makes things that much better."

Back this week against the Michigan State Spartans? 

"Could be this week, could be (the next game) or the week after that," Patterson said. "I see him every day and he's working his tail off." 

Black suffered a fracture in his right foot in late August, roughly a week before the Wolverines opened their 2018 season at Notre Dame. It was the same injury he suffered to his left foot in the third week of his freshman season in 2017. 

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Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh has maintained throughout this season Black will play this year. But no one's sure when. 

"I see him every day, every day he's moving," Collins said. "Out there running routes. I feel like he'll be back (at some point). It's been hurting him to sit, he wants to be back bad. ... He's doing his rehab. He's on the treadmill. He looks pretty good. Hopefully he can come back soon. 

"This week, hopefully. Next (game) even better." 

In 2017, Black emerged as the team's top receiver before his injury. He was the leading wideout with 11 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown in three games.

Michigan has relied heavily on Collins, sophomore Donovan Peoples-Jones, senior Grant Perry, redshirt freshman Oliver Martin and true freshman Ronnie Bell this season. Tight ends Zach Gentry, Sean McKeon and Eubanks have also factored into the passing game. 

Get ready for the game with The Michigan Rant podcast, hosted by Nick Baumgardner

Contact Nick Baumgardner: nbaumgardn@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.

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