Hoke: Robinson could have played with mild injury

Published Nov. 12, 2011 8:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Michigan coach Brady Hoke says quarterback Denard Robinson could have returned to Saturday's 31-14 win over Illinois after leaving with a bruised wrist.

Robinson left the game in the third quarter after a big hit on an incomplete pass. Michigan was up 14-0 at the time.

Sophomore Devin Gardner replaced him and threw a key TD pass to Martavious Odoms that gave Michigan a comfortable 24-7 lead. Gardner finished 2-5 for 47 yards and the score.

Hoke said Gardner was playing well enough to let him keep Robinson on the bench even after the starter showed he could take snaps on the sideline.

Robinson finished 6-10 for 92 yards with an interception on a heave at the end of the first half. He rushed 12 times for 32 yards and two touchdowns.