Jim Harbaugh has said over the last few weeks that there was a real chance that Wilton Speight could play again this season. The Michigan quarterback is one step closer to getting on the field, according to Harbaugh.

During his weekly press conference, Harbaugh said that Speight has been cleared by medical staff to practice this week but will avoid contact. While that’s a promising sign, the Wolverines head coach also said that it’s still uncertain whether or not Speight will be able to play in the next two weeks.

Speight suffered a serious back injury in the B1G opener against Purdue and hasn’t been on the field since. Considering the severity of the injury, it’s somewhat remarkable that the quarterback even has a chance to step back on the field this year.4

After Speight’s injury, Harbaugh started John O’Korn the next four games and Michigan went 2-2. After a sluggish start against Rutgers a few weeks ago, the maize and blue made another change, inserting freshman Brandon Peters under center. After a solid outing against the Scarlet Knights, Peters has started the last two games.

Harbaugh says Peters will be the starter again Saturday in Madison.

Before his injury, Speight started the first four games of the year for Michigan, throwing for 581 yards and three touchdowns while completing passes at a 54 percent clip.

This will be an interesting story to keep an eye on in the final two weeks of the year.