Michigan starting left tackle out for season with knee injury

Wilton Speight will have a new guy protecting his blindside.

Originally, that job belonged to Michigan left tackle Grant Newsome. But Newsome suffered a knee injury during the second quarter on Saturday against Wisconsin.

Jim Harbaugh confirmed the initial fear. It’s a season-ending injury.

Jim Harbaugh says Grant Newsome is out for the season. Calls it a "serious knee injury."

— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) October 3, 2016

The 6-7 sophomore was down on the ground for several minutes before being taken off on a cart. Harbaugh said after the game that Newsome told him he got cut on his right knee while blocking on the edge.

Newsome likely wouldn’t be eligible for a medical redshirt having already passed the 30-percent participation threshold. He would have two years of eligibility left after earning a letter as a freshman in 2015.

"too early to tell" if Newsome injury will end career

— angelique (@chengelis) October 3, 2016

Without Newsome, Michigan will likely turn to Juwann Bushell-Beatty, who filled in at left tackle on Saturday.

Michigan will travel to Rutgers for its first road game of the season on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET in Piscataway.