CJ Stroud says Jaxon Smith-Njigba's return won't 'be an issue'

The 2022 season hasn’t gone according to plan for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State’s star wide receiver. Injuries suffered this season have only let him play in two of the Buckeye’s games and post limited production in his appearances. Coming off their bye week, though, the program is optimistic he’ll be able to return this weekend against Iowa. It’s a big adjustment to make to bring him back in the fold but CJ Stroud says it won’t be as complicated as some expect.

Stroud broke down Smith-Njigba’s potential return during his media availability on Wednesday. He says the unselfish nature of their offense and wide receivers will make it easier on Smith-Njigba to return and that his star receiver knows what’s expected of him.

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“We all have a job,” said Stroud. “Jaxon understands that I have a job to do to read the defense the right way and not force things. Julian (Fleming), Marvin (Harrison Jr.), Emeka (Egbuka), (Xavier Johnson). Everybody’s really unselfish. I think what separates that room from other rooms (is) they all want to see each other eat. I don’t think it’ll be an issue.”

Smith-Njigba led the Buckeyes in receiving last season with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. However, the injuries have limited him to just four catches for 36 yards on the 2022 season. That’s left the gap open for the four receivers Stroud mentioned to fill it to the tune of 86 catches, 1,461 yards, and 21 touchdowns overall.

Adding Smith-Njigba back in the fold should be a spark plug for the Buckeye offense. The emergence of some other faces in their wide receiver corps, though, does make it more complicated than you’d expect. Still, Stroud expects the modest nature of their room to make it easier for everyone to facilitate the changes. If they all stick to the script, Smith-Njigba will be a welcome addition back in Columbus for the back half of their regular season.