Latest injury update around Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will keep questions coming ahead of Michigan game
All eyes are on the availability of Ohio State wideouts Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate ahead of game against Michigan.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are just a few days away from their biggest game of the regular season, with a road trip to face the Michigan Wolverines on deck. There’s no question what the conversation around Columbus is focused on this week.
Ohio State didn’t have either WR Jeremiah Smith or Carnell Tate in its last outing against Rutgers, marking the third straight game missed for Tate. Smith played one quarter two weeks ago against UCLA before missing the Rutgers game. Both are believed to be dealing with minor injuries, and their availability against Michigan will be crucial.
Ryan Day gives Tuesday update on Ohio State’s star wideouts
“They’re doing everything they can to play in the game,” Day said on Tuesday afternoon. “We’ll see how today goes, but they’re working really, really hard to get back on the field.”
Three games ago against Purdue, Tate reportedly felt some tightness in his lower body during warmups. He has not played since, after recording 711 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his previous eight starts. Tate, an expected first-round draft pick next April, has been a major downfield threat for QB Julian Sayin this season.
Smith’s impact on the field can’t be overstated, and even when he isn’t catching the ball, he draws significant defensive attention, often facing double teams. He has been dealing with a “nagging injury” that limited him to one quarter against UCLA before he sat out the Rutgers game. Smith has 902 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this season and will turn 20 years old on Saturday when the Buckeyes play Michigan.
There’s no overstating what this game means to the Buckeyes and what’s at stake. Winning a Big Ten Championship is one of Ohio State’s major goals, and they must beat Michigan to get there. Having Smith and Tate available would be a significant boost to Ohio State’s chances of ending the streak and getting it done on the road against the Wolverines.
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