Buckeyes offense getting healthier, secondary depth will be tested with two starters out
COLUMBUS — Offensively, Ohio State is finally getting healthy.
Backup quarterback Devin Brown, who is a red-zone weapon for the Buckeyes, and star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka are not on the availability report this week at Rutgers (Saturday, Noon on CBS). Egbuka is expected to play for Ohio State this week after missing the last three weeks. Brown may need more time, but it’s certainly a good sign that he’s not even on the availability report, signaling a return to action soon after his ankle injury against Penn State two weeks ago.
But defensively, Ohio State will have its depth tested, primarily in the secondary. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day already made it clear Friday night that star safety Lathan Ransom did not make the trip with the Buckeyes to Rutgers.
“He did not,” Day told reporters, including Lettermen Row’s Tim May, at the Ohio State team hotel on Friday afternoon.
Ransom’s absence was expected. What wasn’t is the absence of star midseason All-American cornerback Denzel Burke. The third-year cornerback was absent for Ohio State in the win over Penn State two weeks ago but returned to action last week to help the Buckeyes beat Wisconsin.
Now, however, Burke is back on the shelf after one week of being active.
With two starters in the secondary missing, the Buckeyes will need to showcase their depth. Freshman cornerback Jermaine Mathews and junior cornerback Jordan Hancock will have to step up to replace Burke. And the safety position will be interesting to watch as the Buckeyes replace Ransom this week for the first time all year.
Other availability report notes
Ohio State running back Miyan Williams is out for the season after undergoing an undisclosed medical procedure this week. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day broke that news Tuesday during his press conference.
Freshman defensive tackle Jason Moore is also out for the Rutgers game.
After not showing up on the availability report last week, fourth-year tight end Joe Royer is out for the Buckeyes against Rutgers.
Sophomore wide receiver Kyion Grayes and fourth-year defender Kourt Williams II are both still out. Williams is expected to miss the entire season with a knee injury sustained during the preseason.
The full availability report from the program is now confirmed, making note that Ohio State doesn’t detail injury or disciplinary matters.
Questionable for Buckeyes
None
Out for Ohio State
DB Denzel Burke
WR Kyion Grayes
RB Miyan Williams
DT Jason Moore
DB Lathan Ransom
TE Joe Royer
