Ryan Day gives injury update on Chip Trayanum after leaving first half vs. Purdue

Ryan Day would not rule out running back Chip Trayanum when asked about his running back’s condition at halftime of Ohio State‘s matchup vs. Purdue on Saturday.

Trayanum was involved in a nasty-looking hit in the first quarter that saw him look a bit woozy after the fact. He was evaluated in the medical tent and had his helmet taken away afterward. He did not return to the game in the first half.

“We’re going to evaluate him here at halftime. He’s out until at least halftime until I get some information when I get back in there,” Day said at halftime of the Peacock broadcast.

Losing the services of Trayanum was a massive blow to an already thin running back room. TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams missed Saturday’s game with injuries, and Day has been having to play wide receiver Xavier Johnson out of the backfield alongside fourth-team tailback Dallan Hayden.

Despite the odds stacked against them, the Buckeyes lead the Boilermakers 20-0 at halftime and have 136 total rushing yards on the afternoon despite having none of their top rushers. They even have more rushing yards than passing yards (133) –something only Ryan Day had on his Bingo card today.

“We had a good mix of run and pass there. I think we ran for over 100 yards in the first half,” Day said. “Obviously the things I think we can do better — we fumbled on the one-yard line but I think we’re playing hard, we’re playing physical.

“Great job by the defense to get that stand [to end the half]. The ball is on the one or two-yard line and to hold them all the way back and miss a field goal. We have to play four quarters here but we started off much better than we have in the past.”

During the first quarter, backup QB Devin Brown‘s number was called on a goal line set during the first quarter, where he lowered his shoulder and bullied his way into the end zone for the first rushing touchdown of his career.

On the Buckeyes’ ensuing possession, Brown had an opportunity to score a second rushing touchdown — but fumbled before reaching the goal line in a play that was so close, it needed video review to settle. With all three of Ohio State’s top running backs out for the game, his services will undoubtedly be called upon again if Trayanum cannot return. As long as he doesn’t fumble.

Catch the rest of the game live on Peacock as the Buckeyes look to improve to 6-0 on the season.