Maryland head coach D.J. Durkin didn’t have too much to say about the status of Max Bortenschlager during his teleconference on Thursday, but he is optimistic about the quarterback’s return this weekend against Michigan State.

Durkin was asked about Bortenschlager — who missed last week’s game against Michigan due to injury — and whether or not he’d be on the field for the Terrapins on Saturday.

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“Max is doing well, he’s been practicing,” Durkin said. “I think there’s a really good chance that he’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”

That would be good news for Maryland, which had to rely on fourth-string quarterback Ryan Brand last weekend against the Wolverines. Bortenschlager was the team’s third-string quarterback until injuries to Tyrrell Pigrome and Kasim Hill pushed him into the starting role.

Brand completed 16-of-35 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown against Michigan last week. He also had two interceptions.

Saturday’s game against the Wolverines was the first time Bortenschlager hasn’t stepped on the field for the Terrapins this season. He’s thrown for 1,007 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing passes at a 51 percent clip in nine games this season.

In a year in which Maryland has been crushed by injuries, especially at quarterback, Bortenschlager’s return would be some much-needed positive news.