Jim Harbaugh talks J.J. McCarthy injury, Michigan quarterback competition
Michigan sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been limited due to pain in his shoulder, one of the few early concerns in spring ball. Harbaugh said they’ve developed a plan to help him, and several medical experts have helped them with it.
McCarthy is expected to battle with Michigan redshirt sophomore Cade McNamara for the starting job this fall, but he’s currently not throwing.
“J.J. has a lingering arm soreness from the season,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said. “We just wanted to figure out, get some clarity on what’s causing that. He did. So did all the top experts around the country. We’ve got a short-term plan and a long-term plan for his arm health. We’re working the plan.”
It’s only March, so there’s plenty of time to heal before the opener. There’s no surgery — a “non-surgical plan” — to help him try to get through it.
“Being March 8, like we would be with any of our players, it will be the plan that the experts have put in place,” Harbaugh said. “The longer the better for me. It’s March 8, so make sure everything is done in the best interest of J.J.”
He’s not throwing right now, and the Michigan coach couldn’t say when he would.
“Again, it’s March 8,” he said. “J.J. is practicing; he’s just not throwing.”
In his absence, McNamara has continued to take a lot of reps. He worked out with his trainer on the west coast during spring break and continues to put in the time at Michigan.
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“Cade’s looked good. He’s really been just sharp; it’s been a nice continuation of the season,” Harbaugh said. “He is getting reps, then all the other quarterbacks. [Grad senior] Alan Bowman, then two freshmen will get a lot of reps in practice. Practices consist of a lot of reps.”
Harbaugh has spoken highly of the three incoming freshmen — preferred walk-on Davis Warren and scholarship players Alex Orji and Jayden Denegal.
McNamara started last year and led Michigan to a Big Ten title, throwing for 2,576 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also led U-M to its first win over Ohio State since 2011, a 42-27 drubbing.
McCarthy threw for 516 yards and two scores for Michigan last year in spot duty. He provides an added element with his feet, running 27 times for 124 yards with two scores.
