Michigan Football Cancels Maryland Game, Cites Coronavirus Cases

MICHIGAN — The Michigan Wolverines football team was scheduled to host the Maryland Terrapins Saturday, but not anymore.

The university announced Wednesday it was canceling the game, citing concerns with coronavirus cases within its program. It also announced it was pausing in-person football activities.

"The decision by our medical professionals to stop practices and cancel this Saturday's game against Maryland was made with the health, safety and welfare of the student-athletes, coaches and staff as our utmost priority," University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "We have seen an increase in the number of student-athletes unavailable to compete due to positive tests and associated contact tracing due to our most recent antigen and PCR testing results."

Daily testing will continue, the university said in a news release. The earliest practice can resume is Monday, according to the athletic department.

Michigan paused all in-person activities Monday because of an increased number of presumptive positives that are awaiting confirmation, head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters. Players and coaches worked virtually on Tuesday as well.

At least one player had tested positive before Saturday's game against Penn State, according to The Detroit Free Press, but the athletic department has not released the number of positive tests within the football program.