Will Howard injury update: Ryan Day shares condition of Ohio State QB after Michigan loss

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard was banged up during the first half of The Game on Saturday but was able to come back in and finish the game.

The Buckeyes will need Howard’s services throughout their postseason run this year, so his health will be a priority over the next coupple of weeks. After the loss to Michigan, head coach Ryan Day explained where his QB1 stands on the injury front heading into a couple weeks layoff.

“I just go based off of what our doctors say,” Day said postgame. “And he came out for a second and then they said he was available and he was okay to go back in the game. And I checked with him and he said he was in good shape and I didn’t recognize anything just in terms of just the interaction that led to anything other than for him to go play.”

Howard would eventually come back into the game and finished the matchup completing 19-of-33 passing attempts for 175 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Given that he was able to return and ultimately finish the game for Ohio State, Howard’s performance reflects the final outcome of The Game. Despite what’s ahead for the Buckeyes, neither fanbase will soon forget Week 14’s all-important matchup which changed the outlook of the season for Michigan.

“Everybody wants to win this game in the worst way,” Day said. “And nobody wants to win it more than we do. And it’s our number one goal every year. And so when you don’t do that, there’s disappointment and frustration. I don’t blame anybody for being upset (and the fans booing). I’m upset more than anybody. And those players are too and the coaches and everybody that goes at it.”

Ohio State fans can rest assured, however. Michigan is off to a lower-tier bowl game while it appears that the Buckeyes will still have the opportunity to play in the College Football Playoff despite not being a part of the Big Ten Championship game.