Brady Hoke said he expects Devin Gardner to start practicing later this week

University of Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner and the Wolverines (7-5) face Kansas State (7-5) of the Big 12 in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl on Dec. 28 in Tempe, Ariz.

ANN ARBOR -- Michigan football coach Brady Hoke said today that he anticipates quarterback Devin Gardner to return to practice later this week, but Hoke was noncommittal as to whether or not Gardner should be labeled "questionable" for the Wolverines' bowl game later this month.

"If we can get him started Wednesday, maybe, or even Friday," Hoke said. "I don't know. Questionable? As he progresses I think we'll feel better."

The Wolverines (7-5) face Kansas State (7-5) of the Big 12 in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl on Dec. 28 in Tempe, Ariz.

Gardner, whom Hoke said is bothered by turf toe and is wearing a walking boot, did not practice today and did not practice last week.

"We just want him to make sure that he's rested enough and that we don't want him to get out there too soon," Hoke said. "It's wanting to make sure that he's totally healthy. He's thrown the ball a little bit but we haven't done a whole lot."

Michigan will also practice Saturday in Ann Arbor before leaving this weekend for Arizona.