UPDATE: TreVeyon Henderson now 'questionable,' Denzel Burke out for Penn State game
COLUMBUS — Ohio State is entering a top-10 matchup against Penn State in a game coach Ryan Day described as one the Buckeyes will be needing to play their best football in.
They’re going to have to do so without at least one of their biggest stars.
Ohio State will be without star cornerback Denzel Burke, who was named a midseason All-American earlier this week. Burke left in the second half of the Buckeyes win at Purdue last week, first going to the medical tent before heading to the locker room. He did not return.
Burke has been a lightning rod for the Buckeyes this season, tallying a forced fumble, an interception and eight pass deflections on the year.
Ohio State star running back TreVeyon Henderson was initially ruled out for the third straight game. But he was upgraded to “questionable” two and a half hours before kickoff. Henderson hasn’t played since the win over Notre Dame on Sept. 23. Henderson has warmed up pregame each of the last two games but hasn’t dressed for either.
Henderson has 44 carries for 295 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season after struggling with injuries last year.
Day was hopeful the Buckeyes would be healthy for the game when he spoke to the media on Tuesday.
“Not going to get into all those guys,” Day said. “But we’re hopeful we’ll have all of those guys.”
Other availability report notes
Of course, the headliner is that star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who did not travel to West Lafayette with the team last week. He is listed as a questionable game-time decision for this week’s massive clash against Penn State. Ohio State could certainly use him in the passing game — if he’s healthy.
Tight end Joe Royer is out for the Buckeyes with an undisclosed issue.
Freshman defensive lineman Will Smith Jr. is still out for the Buckeyes, as are sophomore wide receiver Kyion Grayes and fourth-year defender Kourt Williams II. 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 Ohio State
WR Emeka Egbuka
RB TreVeyon Henderson
Out for Buckeyes
WR Nolan Baudo
DB Denzel Burke
RB Timothy Caffey
WR Kyion Grayes
TE Zak Herbstreit
TE Joe Royer
DL Will Smith Jr.
WR Reis Stocksdale
DB/LB Kourt Williams
