The Ohio State Buckeyes‘ No. 1 offense in the Big Ten could receive an unneeded boost this weekend against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Head coach Ryan Day, speaking on his weekly radio show, hinted at the possible return of star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, among others.
“Ryan Day on Ohio State’s health coming out of the bye week: ‘We’re gonna get some guys back, which is great,'” tweeted Buckeyes beat reporter Dan Hope.
Smith-Njigba has dealt with a hamstring injury since the first half of the season-opener against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Smith-Njigba returned to action in the opening drive two weeks later against the Toledo Rockets, but was quickly put on the shelf. Entering the season as a potential Heisman candidate, Smith-Njigba has only logged four receptions for 36 yards. Smith-Njigba was spotted at practice earlier this week working with the Juggs machine.
Another candidate to return is second-year cornerback Jordan Hancock. Ohio State coaches expected the former four-star recruit from Georgia to compete for a starting spot opposite of cornerback Denzel Burke entering the season. Hancock, however, suffered a leg injury in camp that has sidelined him throughout the season.
Hancock was spotted at practice this week wearing full pads, which signifies he’s close to returning as well.
We’ll get official word on who is back for the Buckeyes on Saturday. Their game against Iowa kicks off at 12 p.m. on Fox.
[Dan Hope]
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