Chris Holtmann provides timetable on return of Meechie Johnson

Ohio State point guard Meechie Johnson has missed the last two games with an injury. Johnson missed Thursday’s loss against Wisconsin and Sunday’s victory over Penn State.

On Monday, Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann updated the status of Johnson, saying that he is “taking steps forward,” via Rivals’ Colin Gay. Johnson got hit in the face by an inadvertent elbow.

Once Johnson is able to return for Ohio State, he might be wearing a protective mask on his face.

“I’m sure he’ll have fun unveiling that,” Holtmann said via Gay.

Gay added that Johnson is currently not cleared for any physical activity.

In the 13 games that Johnson has played this season, he has mostly come off of Ohio State’s bench. On the year, Johnson is averaging 19.7 minutes, 6.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He is shooting 36.8 percent from the field, 40 percent from three point range, and 71.4 percent from the free throw line.

Johnson is a former four-star recruit, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He held offers from Michigan State, Xavier, Indiana, and Wisconsin prior to choosing Ohio State.

As a freshman last season, Johnson played in 17 games, averaging 1.2 points per game.

Another key Ohio State player was injured over the weekend

Against Penn State on Sunday, Ohio State forward Zed Key suffered a lower leg injury. He was able to return to the game, but it was a startling situation for the Buckeyes. After the game, Holtmann addressed Key’s health, saying that he would prefer to remain healthy moving forward. With Johnson already out, losing Key would have been a big blow for Ohio State.

“In the midst of the game, you’re trying not to feel sorry for yourself. I went to check on him,” Holtmann said. “We need guys to stay ready and I give credit to Joey (Brunk). I’d like not to lose another player to injury.”

Ohio State is currently 11-4 on the season. The Buckeyes began the year 3-0 before losing to Xavier to hit 3-1. Then, after splitting games against Seton Hall (79-76 victory) and Florida (71-68 loss), the Buckeyes responded with a five game winning streak that included a win over Duke, who was the top ranked team at the time.