DETROIT - Michigan will have to right the ship without Chad Henne, who apparently will not be back under center for quite a while.

The Wolverines’ quarterback will be sidelined at least 2-3 weeks with an injured left knee, according to a report on the Detroit Free Press’ web site Tuesday.

The report was published less than 24 hours after embattled Michigan coach Lloyd Carr announced that Henne would miss Saturday’s game against Notre Dame.

Freshman Ryan Mallett will start in place of Henne for the Wolverines, who are off to an embarrassing 0-2 start after losing two straight home games - the first time the storied program has opened a season in such fashion since 1959.

Carr did not set a timetable for Henne’s return at a news conference Monday, although he did reveal that he thought the senior signal-caller will return at some point this season.

“I talked to (Henne) yesterday.  He’s in good spirits but disappointed,” Carr said.  “He’ll come back quicker than most.”

Mallett completed just 6-of-17 passes with an interception in the second half of Saturday’s 39-7 loss to Oregon.

However, Carr claims that the 6-6, 247-pounder will be ready to take on the Fighting Irish, who also are off to an 0-2 start.

“(Mallett) is not intimidated by anything,” Carr said.  “That’s one of the things I like about him.  He’s got a lot of confidence, he’s got a great arm, and yet he’s got to go into this week and play with them himself and within the context of the game plan - because it’s really about winning.”

Henne appeared to injure his knee after taking a big hit from Oregon defensive end Jeremy Gibbs in the second quarter.  A preseason candidate for the Heisman Trophy, Henne is just 31-for-60 this season with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

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