Will Johnson expects to return against Washington

SEATTLE – It appears to be two steps forward and two steps back for the health of Michigan football, as the Wolverines expect the return of some key players but will now be without three key starters, including two offensive linemen, in Week 6 against Washington.

All-American cornerback Will Johnson (questionable) and Edge Josaiah Stewart, the Week 4 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, both missed last week's 27-24 win over Minnesota because of various ailments but are both expected to return Saturday (7:30 p.m., NBC). The pregame availability report submitted by teams in the conference was released a few hours before the No. 10 Wolverines (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) played the Huskies (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten).

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Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said Wednesday he was “excited to get these guys back.”

The Wolverines were short of a season-high 13 players last week, but Johnson, widely expected to be a top-five pick in next year's NFL draft, is the most important player. Although he is listed as questionable, Johnson was on the field before the game and went through warmups. Even if Johnson can return — and that would be crucial considering he's not only a lockdown corner but has also scored as many touchdowns this year as UM's wide receivers combined — the secondary remains in the crisis.