Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham caught the game-winning pass last year against Penn State -- this year, he might not even play against the Nittany Lions.

According to The Detroit News, Manningham suffered an apparent knee injury in Michigan's 31-17 win against Michigan State Saturday. Manningham left the game in the third quarter and was seen icing his knee.

Reached by phone yesterday, Manningham's father, Gerald Simpson, said there was "no validity" to reports that Manningham was injured.

"I don't know where this crap comes from," he said.

Simpson was in the stands during the game and talked to his son afterward. He said there was nothing wrong with Manningham when he spoke to him.

But when asked if Manningham would be available for this week's Big Ten matchup against Penn State, Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr was silent on the issue.

"Is he going to play? Well, we'll have to see," he said. "I don't have any comment on Mario. I'm sure you will understand because I don't know everything there is to know. At some point, I will."

When reporters asked if his answer was an acknowledgement that he needed to sort out some issues regarding Manningham's status, Carr responded, "I'm not acknowledging anything."

Michigan football spokesman David Ablauf declined comment on Manningham's status, saying Michigan's official comment came during Carr's earlier press conference.

Manningham has been Michigan's most productive receiver thus far. The sophomore has already surpassed his production from last year, with 24 receptions for 527 yards and nine touchdowns.

A superb deep route runner, Manningham averages 22 yards per catch and has eight touchdown catches in his last four games.

One of the Big Ten's most dynamic players this year, Manningham was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week twice in September.

If Manningham does not play Saturday, senior wide receiver Steve Breaston (23 catches, 222 yards receiving) would likely be quarterback Chad Henne's favorite target, especially on short passes. Junior Adrian Arrington (12 receptions, 195 yards receiving and three touchdowns) also could see an increased role, as could freshman Greg Matthews.

Carr drew a laugh when he said he'd inform reporters of Manningham's status when he found out.

"Make sure you leave your cells with me and I'll call you," Carr jokingly told reporters.