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Mario mania: Just three weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery, sophomore wide receiver Mario Manningham might play against Ball State on Saturday. Coach Lloyd Carr wasn't making any promises at his Monday news conference, but the possibility exists after Manningham ran well last week and will return to practice this week.
"I don't know when it will be but I have every confidence that unless there's a setback, he's going to play very shortly," Carr said. "We'll have to see how he does tomorrow or Wednesday. He can run, I can tell you that. ... The next thing is how does he come out of a break and how (the knee) holds up, but we're very much encouraged and excited because he brings a great spirit and attitude. He has fun playing the game."
With an offense averaging only 18 points the past three games without his deep-threat ability, Manningham's return might provide a boost.
Among other injuries, Carr said he expects tackle Rueben Riley to play but was not as confident about tight ends Tyler Ecker and Mike Massey.