Ohio State looks to have gotten the injury news they needed for the Oregon game, but another question has popped up
The latest injury news around the Ohio State Buckeyes ahead of facing Oregon is a mixed bag.
The Ohio State Buckeyes were shorthanded on both sides of the football in last week’s 30-18 road loss to USC. Injuries don’t excuse the result, and it was still a loss Ohio State should never have taken. Now the Buckeyes turn their attention to the Oregon Ducks, and they got good news on the injury front about a player they badly need back.
Ohio State did not list cornerback Jay Timmons on its availability report Wednesday evening. That signals he’s cleared to play after missing three of the last four games.
Jay Timmons returns to the Ohio State secondary
Timmons suffered an injury against Illinois at the end of September. He then re-aggravated it in the win over Indiana a few weeks ago and was unable to go against USC.
Timmons is a true freshman, but he’s undoubtedly one of Ohio State’s most important defenders. Against USC, the Buckeyes gave up multiple explosive plays. It’s hard to argue that Timmons wouldn’t have helped Ohio State’s effort during those breakdowns in coverage.
The timing couldn’t be better. The Oregon game is now a must-win for Ohio State, and getting Timmons back on the field is going to be key for a defense that needs to bounce back after a rough night in Los Angeles.
Left tackle is the biggest question mark for the Buckeyes vs. Oregon
Ohio State is still dealing with a couple of injuries going into this game, with two starters questionable to play. Wide receiver Brandon Inniss did not play against USC. Starting left tackle Ian Moore is also questionable to play against the Ducks.
Moore had to exit the USC game, and Austin Siereveld replaced him on Ohio State’s final drive. His status for Oregon is up in the air. If the Buckeyes don’t have Moore, expect Siereveld to be Ohio State’s starting left tackle. Phillip Daniels would handle right tackle, with Gabe VanSickle at right guard.
Left tackle appears to be the biggest question mark heading into this game. Still, Ohio State should be fine if it has to play without Moore. Siereveld has experience at the position after playing left tackle last season, so drop-off shouldn’t be an issue.
Wide receiver Brock Boyd and linebacker Eli Lee are the only other players listed as questionable for the Oregon game.
Ohio State is getting healthier at the right time
Overall, the Buckeyes are trending in a healthier direction. Players like quarterback Julian Sayin and Ja’Kobi Jackson aren’t playing in this game, that’s been known with Sayin likely out for the season.
Even with those absences, the return of Timmons is a great development for Ohio State. He’s a significant piece of what the Buckeyes do on defense, and Oregon’s offense will test the secondary from the opening snap with players like Dakorien Moore and Jamari Johnson.
Ohio State can’t afford another slip with the Ducks coming to town. Having Timmons back gives the Buckeyes a better shot at slowing down explosive plays, and the status of Moore will be worth watching as kickoff approaches.
