Tyleik Williams injury: Ohio State DT leaves game vs. Penn State, heads to tent

In his fourth game back from injury, Tyleik Williams went down Saturday against Penn State. The Ohio State DT immediately headed to the tent after heading to the sideline.

Williams was in on a tackle of Kaytron Allen with 8:30 to play in the game and stayed on the ground afterward. He then received medical attention and headed to the tent as Ohio State went on to keep Penn State out of the end zone and maintain a 20-13 lead.

Williams returned to the Buckeyes lineup against Iowa after missing two games with an undisclosed injury. A key piece of the defensive line, he entered Saturday with 20 tackles, including 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks through five appearances this season.

Williams is coming off a career year in 2023 to cement his role in Jim Knowles’ scheme. He totaled 53 tackles in 2023, including 10 tackles for loss and three sacks. At the time of his departure against Penn State, he had one tackle on the day.

Williams’ return to the lineup wasn’t just significant for the box score, though. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said the defense as a whole can benefit from the leadership he brings. That’s why the Buckeyes were ready to get him back on the field.

“Tyleik’s a great player, but like you said, he’s a leader,” Day said of Williams last month. “He does a lot of communication there. One thing about Tyleik, he’s got a very, very high football IQ. There were times where we did miss him. But it was good to see other guys step up, too, and we need to continue to see that.

“But there’s no question that he’s a very, very strong player. Makes a lot of plays, but also has leadership. He’s been in the program for a while and has strong relationships with everybody on the team, but in particular, the guys up front. Helps in that part of it, for sure. Good to have him back this week.”