Ohio State could reportedly be welcoming back a key contributor who was sidelined for an injury during last week’s game.
Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. will be available for No. 1 Ohio State’s clash with No. 17 Illinois in Champaign Saturday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Jackson started during Ohio State’s 42-3 victory over Minnesota last Saturday, but left the game just 10 minutes in after suffering an injury tackling Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey. The senior defensive end was helped off the field by Ohio State training staff, and Jackson did not return in the remainder of the game.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day told reporters Tuesday that “there was definitely a chance” Jackson would play against Illinois, later adding Wednesday that the wide receiver was “trending in the right direction,” before Nakos reported that Jackson is likely to play.
In five games played, Jackson has racked up six tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. The Miami Gardens, Fla. native also added seven hurries and four quarterback hits.
