Former NFL doctor believes Kayvon Thibodeaux will miss Ohio State game

David J. Chao, a former NFL head team doctor with more than 17 years of experience, runs profootballdoc.com, which evaluates injuries based on past experience and video evidence, along with notable reports. He recently provided the latest on the injury to Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux on his social media channels.

“Confirmed to be ankle sprain and day to day,” Chao posted. “Given my thought of high ankle sprain, doubt he can be full go for Ohio State this week.”

Oregon is preparing for its biggest game of the season, travelling on the road to face Ohio State this Saturday. The Buckeyes opened as a 14-point home favorite for the top-15 showdown, according to the folks at VegasInsider.com. The over/under has also been set at 62.5.

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Kayvon Thibodeaux exited the Ducks’ game on Saturday against Fresno State in the first half with an injury when a teammate rolled on his ankle in the first half.

Mario Cristobal confirmed in his postgame press conference that Thibodeaux sprained either his ankle or foot. X-rays came back negative, and the coach does not thing it is too serious.

But former NFL head doctor David J. Chao tweeted his take on the injury. And getting the defensive end back for Oregon’s huge matchup at Ohio State could be a stretch.

“By video, apparent mild right eversion/high ankle sprain,” Chao wrote. “Boot likely precautionary and injury not season ending or long term and no effect on draft status but Ohio State looms next week and that is a tight turnaround.”

Thibodeaux was seen on the sideline with a walking boot in the second half of Saturday’s game. Oregon came from behind to defeat Fresno State, 31-24, on an Anthony Brown touchdown run. Thibodeaux is a crucial piece to Oregon’s defense.

“Kayvon’s injury was certainly something you don’t want to see happen for anybody,” Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said. “It hurts us considerably on the edge.”

Thibodeaux is a key piece on the Oregon defense and provides star power to the defense. He finished with 38 tackles and three sacks last season along with three pass breakups and two quarterback hits in seven games.

Ohio State also has a first-time starting quarterback in C.J. Stroud and an inexperienced group of running backs. Having a strong pass rush on the road against Ohio State could be huge for the Ducks in rattling Stroud and making an impact on the opposition’s passing game.