Jeff Gordon won't sub if needed for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Michigan

There’s no official word on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s status for Michigan, but it’s clear that Jeff Gordon won’t be driving in his place if Junior can’t go.

Gordon told NBC Sports that he wouldn’t be subbing for Junior next weekend if necessary because of a prior commitment. Gordon said he was pretty sure Alex Bowman, who subbed for Junior at New Hampshire while Gordon was on vacation in France, would be the substitute driver if Junior isn’t cleared.

Junior is still rehabbing from a concussion doctors believe he suffered at Michigan. He raced at Sonoma, Daytona and Kentucky before he started feeling symptoms. He’s missed races at New Hampshire, Indianapolis, Pocono and Watkins Glen.

Gordon is making his 801st career start Saturday night at Bristol. He qualified 11th. If Junior returns at or after Michigan for Darlington, Bristol could be the final race of Gordon’s career.

Junior has been posting rehab updates to his Instagram feed. He’s scheduled to meet with doctors next week to determine how close he is in his rehab to return to racing.

Gordon has finished 13th, 27th and 14th in his three races subbing for Earnhardt Jr.

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Nick Bromberg is the editor of From The Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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