Patrick Omameh played well enough in his first start at right guard last week against Purdue to earn another one Saturday at Wisconsin, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said.

That leaves right tackle as the only up-for-grabs spot on Michigan’s offensive line.

Mark Huyge started at tackle last week against the Boilermakers after playing most of the previous month at guard. Perry Dorrestein, who had started six straight games at tackle, did not play against Purdue because of a back injury.

“Perry’s back is better,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t want to say it’s a coin flip, but both he and Mark, I think, will probably play at right tackle.”

Rodriguez said he hasn’t decided who’ll start at middle linebacker against Wisconsin, either.

Kevin Leach started the last two games over Obi Ezeh, but the more physical Ezeh may be a better fit against Wisconsin’s run game.

“Kevin’s about 200 pounds where Obi’s about 230,” Rodriguez said. “There’s a natural difference in speed and those things, but Kevin’s a pretty physical guy and Obi can run pretty well.

“I would anticipate both those guys playing a little bit.”

More Wednesday practice notes • For the umpteenth time this year, Rodriguez said he wants to play more players on defense.

“This game we’re probably going to have to play more because we know they’re going to pound us,” Rodriguez said.

And why hasn’t Michigan gone deeper into its roster defensively?

“The defensive staff hasn’t felt comfortable that the younger guys behind them are quite ready to play,” Rodriguez said. “And I don’t think it’s fair to them to really put them in there just for the sake of putting them in there. I think you could really destroy their confidence if they go in there and they’re not quite ready.”

• On the injury front, receiver Martavious Odoms is back practicing after missing the last two weeks with a knee injury, but he’s questionable for Wisconsin. Junior Hemingway (back) also is day-to-day, while Brandon Minor was held out of contract drills Tuesday because of bruised shoulder.

Rodriguez said he hoped Minor would do some contact work Wednesday. Minor’s high ankle sprain is less of an issue than his shoulder, Rodriguez said.

Michigan coaches talked with Minor earlier this year about taking few hits.

• Center David Molk will have surgery to repair torn right ACL on Thursday. Molk, Michigan's best offensive lineman, played in just four games this year.

• Punter Zoltan Mesko was named one of 12 finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, which goes to the college football player who best combines community service with academic and athletic achievement. Mesko leads the Big Ten and ranks sixth nationally in punting with a 45-yard average.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.