A tough task just got even tougher for Michigan football, as star tight end Colston Loveland was ruled out of today's Big Ten Conference opener against USC (3:30 p.m., CBS), according to the availability report teams are required to provide to the league two hours prior to kickoff.

Loveland, the Wolverines' leading receiver through three weeks with 19 receptions for 187 yards and touchdown, appeared to injury his upper body in the second quarter of last week's contest vs. Arkansas State. Though he returned in the third quarter and caught a pass, he immediately left the game after the reception and did not return.

Coaches have been coy on Loveland's status since Monday, with head coach Sherrone Moore never ruling him out, but instead saying he'll "leave that to the trainers" as the tight end tried to work through the week. His position coach, Steve Casula, said unless a player is going through a brain injury or has a season-long ailment, all players practice every day but that can "look different" for everybody, depending on their health status.

Loveland's presence is a big one, not only as a preseason All-American and projected first round selection in next year's NFL Draft, but what little success U-M has had through the air, it has largely gone to No. 18. Additionally, Michigan is working in a new look at quarterback in Alex Orji who will get his first career start − Loveland's large frame and sure hands would've been a much needed security blanket.

Instead, it's up to Loveland's backup, Marlin Klein, to try and lead the way.

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Coaches and teammates raved about the 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight end from Germany in camp and last week, he did his part last week when called upon. The red shirt sophomore had three receptions for a team-high 42 yards and through three games is currently one of just three pass catchers on the team with 50 yards through the air.

Michigan will also be without safety Jaden Mangham, defensive back Micah Pollard, running back Jordan Marshall and linebacker Jason Hewlett for this game. These are in addition to the crucial injury from earlier this spring, senior safety Rod Moore (torn ACL) who remains out indefinitely.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan vs USC injury report: TE Colston Loveland out vs. USC