BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOWL

Michigan QB absent from bowl game practice in Arizona

12/25/2013
BLADE STAFF

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There was no sign of Devin Gardner on Christmas morning.

Three days before the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, Michigan's quarterback was not on the practice field with the rest of his teammates, and freshman Shane Morris worked with the first-team offense this morning at Chapparal High School.

Gardner has not practiced this month because of turf toe, sustained Nov. 30 against Ohio State.

The media was allowed to watch 35 minutes of practice this morning, and Wolverines coach Brady Hoke did not speak with reporters this morning. Earlier in the week, Hoke said Gardner would have to practice by today in order to play in the bowl game against Kansas State (7-5). If not, Morris would start Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium.

Morris is 5 for 9 for 65 yards with one interception in four games for the Wolverines (7-5).