Ohio State football hit with a mixed bag of injury news ahead of must-win game against Northwestern
There’s some good news for Ohio State on the latest availability report for the game against Northwestern. Ohio State has a new worry on its hands as well.
The Ohio State Buckeyes host a 6-3 Northwestern team Saturday in Week 11, and the Buckeyes are trying to end a two-game losing streak. It’s the first time Ohio State has dropped two straight regular-season games since 2011. The latest availability report has some good news and some bad news for the Buckeyes heading into the matchup.
Ohio State will again be without quarterback Julian Sayin and running back Ja’Kobi Jackson against Northwestern as expected. Sayin is not returning this season after suffering a fractured elbow, and freshman QB Luke Fahey will make his third career start against the Wildcats.
Luke Montgomery’s status is a surprise for the Ohio State offensive line
A new development popped up on the availability report Thursday night. Starting left guard Luke Montgomery is listed as questionable to play against Northwestern.
Montgomery has started up front for Ohio State over the last two seasons, and he’s become a leader of the offensive line. Losing him for any stretch would be a blow to a unit that needs stability with a backup quarterback behind it.
If Montgomery can’t go Saturday, there’s a good chance the Buckeyes turn to Jake Cook to step into the lineup at left guard. How the line holds up without one of its veteran pieces is going to be key against Northwestern.
Brandon Inniss is back for the Buckeyes
On the flip side, Ohio State got a positive update at wide receiver. Brandon Inniss is off the availability report after being listed as questionable on Wednesday.
Saturday will be the first time Inniss plays since the Indiana game. He’s missed three of the last four games for the Buckeyes, so getting him back on the field is a welcome addition for the offense.
Inniss doesn’t have a ton of production on the stat sheet. He has 11 catches for 153 receiving yards and one touchdown. Still, he’s a team captain and a starting receiver who brings value as a blocker. Those are the details that matter for an offense trying to find its footing without its starting quarterback and running back.
Ohio State has been relying on depth at the position while Inniss has been out. Wide receiver Phillip Bell has been playing more snaps recently as a result.
Phillip Bell and Brock Boyd are questionable vs Northwestern
Bell is one of two Ohio State wide receivers listed as questionable to play against Northwestern. The other is freshman Brock Boyd.
Boyd has missed each of the last three games for the Buckeyes. Based on comments Ryan Day made earlier in the week, it feels like Boyd is probably unlikely to play again Saturday
If Bell is limited or unavailable, Inniss returning becomes even more important. Ohio State doesn’t have a lot of room to absorb another absence in the receiver rotation.
Overall, it’s a mixed bag of news for the Buckeyes going into Week 11. Montgomery being questionable is a concern for the offensive line, while having Inniss back gives the receiver room a lift.
