Will Johnson is reportedly not expected to play on Saturday when Michigan faces Northwestern.

247Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on Thursday that the Wolverines expect to be without their top corner once again. Johnson is dealing with a toe injury that has kept him sidelined since Oct. 19. According to Zenitz, Johnson’s status for Michigan’s annual tilt with Ohio State next weekend is yet to be determined.

Johnson played just 13 snaps in the game against Illinois on Oct. 19 before exiting with the injury. In the weeks since, his status has remained up in the air.

The 6-foot-2 junior from Detroit entered the season viewed by many as one of the top cornerbacks in the sport. With many viewing Johnson as an eventual first-round NFL Draft pick, Michigan has had to combat speculation that Johnson’s prolonged absence is tied to his draft stock.

U-M head coach Sherrone Moore said on Oct. 28 the team still expected Johnson to “for sure” return this season.

“Will has no plan of just shutting it down,” Moore said then. “If he could go out there, he would go out there in a heartbeat.”

In 6 appearances prior to the injury, Johnson totaled 14 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 5 pass breakups and 2 interceptions — both of which were returned to touchdowns.

In his absence, Jyaire Hill and Aamir Hall have been the primary guys on the outside while Zeke Barry has handled the slot.

Michigan (5-5) will look to get bowl-eligible on Saturday when it hosts Northwestern. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Michigan is a 10.5-point favorite via bet365.