Ohio State football hit with unexpected injury news, freshmen duo could be starting against Maryland
The Buckeyes might be relying on a couple of freshmen against Maryland in Big Ten play if the latest availability report means anything.
The Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Maryland Terrapins in Week 6 for their homecoming game in Columbus. It’s a game Ohio State can’t allow to turn into a trap game, with a matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers waiting the following week.
Ahead of the Maryland game, Ohio State is dealing with several injuries and could be without a few key players against the Terrapins. The Buckeyes’ availability report has grown throughout the week, and the latest update adds even more names to watch.
Ohio State’s availability report grows ahead of Maryland
Earlier in the week, it came as a surprise that starting wide receivers Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin were listed as questionable on the availability report. Now they’ve been joined by starting linebacker Christian Alliegro, safety Terry Moore, and starting cornerback Jay Timmons.
Timmons is back on the report after missing last game. He wasn’t on the initial availability report this week, but popping back up on the Thursday report puts his status for Maryland in potential doubt.
Additionally, defensive end Khary Wilder and offensive tackle Phillip Daniels are listed as questionable for the Buckeyes. Safety Leroy Roker is listed as out.
Brock Boyd and Chris Henry Jr. could see bigger roles
If Inniss or McCuin are unable to go, it’s going to mean more opportunity for freshman wide receivers Brock Boyd and Chris Henry Jr. Both players had a lot of hype coming into the season thanks to what they did during the summer and fall camp.
Boyd has six catches for 110 yards this season. Henry has three catches for 105 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
If Ohio State is down two starting receivers outside of Jeremiah Smith, it opens the door for Boyd and Henry to play in this game, play well, and move up the depth chart potentially. This is a chance for both freshmen to show what they can do in game action with more playing time.
Maryland is not a good team, and Ohio State should win handily even if it has to play multiple backups in starting spots. This could be a game where the Buckeyes are focused on getting through healthy ahead of a huge game against the Hoosiers.
Still, the Buckeyes can’t afford to look past Maryland, especially with this many questionable designations on the availability report. Several players have a chance to step into starting spots, and how they handle that opportunity could shape the depth chart in the weeks ahead. Saturday will tell who suits up against the Terrapins, but the young players getting their shot are worth watching.
