Kenyatta Jackson update: Buckeyes 'hopeful' defensive end will play against Illinois

COLUMBUS — Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson appeared to be on his way to a standout performance Saturday night against Minnesota.

But Jackson left that win in the first quarter with an undisclosed injury. The good news, though, is that Jackson could be back when the No. 1 Buckeyes take on No. 17 Illinois in Champaign on Saturday afternoon (12 p.m. on FOX).

Buckeyes coach Ryan Day is hopeful that Jackson, one of the two starting defensive ends for Ohio State, will be available this weekend.

“There’s definitely a chance,” Day said Tuesday. “You know, we’ll see how today goes, but we’re hopeful he plays on Saturday.”

Jackson left the win over Minnesota in the first quarter after pressuring Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey, forcing an errant throw and bringing him to the ground. Jackson stayed down before sitting up and ultimately walking off the field under his own power.

He was later on an exercise bike and stayed on the sideline for the duration of the game, never going to the locker room with the injury. He did not return to action as the Buckeyes cruised to a 42-3 win over Minnesota in primetime.

In Jackson’s place, Ohio State turned to a variety of options. Defensive ends Beau Atkinson, Zion Grady, a true freshman, and Logan George provided depth while Jackson was out, and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia became creative in using his linebackers on the edges of the defense, as well.

Ohio State didn’t need Jackson on the field to shut down the Minnesota offensive attack on Saturday night; the Buckeyes gave up an opening-drive field goal to the Gophers and then didn’t allow a single point the rest of the game. Minnesota had 162 yards of total offense against the Buckeyes, and 66 of them came on that opening drive.

The Buckeyes need Jackson in the lineup moving forward, and he would provide a major boost against an Illinois offensive line that has been through some growing pains and struggles through the first few games of the season.

He might be back for Ohio State against the Illini after playing just a couple of drives in the win over Minnesota.