Michigan football was able to close out USC on Saturday at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor without one of its best players.

Cornerback Will Johnson went to the locker room at the start of the fourth quarter with a staffer during a timeout with the Wolverines up 20-17. Johnson was the catalyst of the biggest play for Michigan in the second half when he jumped a hitch route for a pick-6 to put Michigan ahead 20-10. According to the CBS broadcast, Johnson was heading towards the X-ray room.

Johnson told Jason Avant on the Michigan radio broadcast immediately after the game "that he’s doing well physically."

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Johnson, a consensus first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft and one of the top defensive backs in college football, has been a consistent shutdown force on the outside of Michigan's defense. The junior set a school record with his third career interception return for a touchdown Saturday, and now has nine career interceptions.

He played briefly on the drive after his touchdown, then stayed in for the next drive, before leaving the game after the defense forced a punt early in the fourth, and was seen walking to the locker room.

The Wolverines were already without top pass catcher Colston Loveland, who was ruled out pregame after he exited last week's win early with an injury.

Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press covering the city's professional teams, the state's two flagship universities and more. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22, and email him at jramsey@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Will Johnson injury update: Michigan football CB exits USC game early