Ryan Day provides update on Julian Fleming injury, addresses how close he was to playing

Ohio State coach Ryan Day is hoping to have Julian Fleming return from injury for Saturday’s game against Arkansas State. The Buckeyes receiver missed the game this past weekend against Notre Dame, but at least has a shot to make his season debut this week.

“He went through warmups and he was close,” Day said Tuesday. “It tore his heart out not to be in this game. Had an unbelievable offseason. Did a really good job this preseason. He tweaked something leading up to the game, so we’re hoping to have him back on Saturday.”

Day did not specify the nature of the injury that held Fleming out against the Fighting Irish. However, it’s worth noting that the third-year receiver had his shoulder pop out in a preseason practice before popping it back in himself.

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Across two seasons in a reserve role, Fleming caught 19 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. The former five-star recruit and No. 1 receiver in the 2020 class according to On3 Consensus, he figured to start this season following the departures of Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.

In addition to Julian Fleming, Ohio State also has injury concern for receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba heading into Week 2. The Buckeyes leading receiver with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns this past season, Smith-Njigba appeared to suffer a knee injury against Notre Dame. He eventually returned to the game before being ruled out for the second half.

The Ohio State offense didn’t look as explosive as predicted without its two star receivers, but still managed to pull out a 21-10 victory Saturday. Now the Buckeyes will focus on tending to the health of their players as they gear up to make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Kickoff against Arkansas State is set for noon ET on Saturday in Columbus.