Jordan Burch injury update: Pete Thamel offers latest on Oregon defender's status for Ohio State

Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch is “in flux” whether he will play or not against Ohio State, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

After suffering an injury in practice this week, there’s a chance the Ducks’ star will not go. No. 3 Oregon hosts No. 2 Ohio State in a much anticipated game Saturday.

As of now, Burch is certainly questionable.

“The biggest story of the day is the status of star Oregon defensive end, Jordan Burch,” Thamel said on College GameDay. “I’ve been told that his status is in flux for tonight’s game. He suffered a lower body injury in practice on Thursday, and it’s uncertain if he’s going to play tonight. He’s obviously the Ducks’ leader in sacks and TFLs. It would be a huge blow If he can’t go against that Ohio State offense.”

So far this season, Burch has 19 total tackles, seven solo tackles, five sacks (a career high), seven tackles for loss, four pass deflections and one fumble recovery.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Burch was a five-star-plus recruit out of Columbia (S.C.) Hammond School, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 EDGE in the class and the No. 11 overall prospect in the class.

Jordan Burch’s status ‘in flux’ for Ohio State game

If Burch is on the field, Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will have to know where he is at all times.

“I think his athletic ability for such a big player,” Kelly said, when asked Tuesday about what makes Burch so special. “He’s listed at 6-5, 290, but he plays defensive end. Most guys that big are the interior defensive linemen. So he’s a really athletic guy.

“He had a huge game against Michigan State last Friday night, really kind of showed up. I think he’s really starting to embrace that role that [defensive coordinator] Tosh [Lupoi] and Dan [Lanning] have put him in.”

Head coach Ryan Day agrees.

“Burch is very, very good,” Day said as well. “He’s very athletic, strong, good pass rusher, good against the run. … They have some good guys up front. So it’s going to be a great challenge for our offensive line and for everybody.

“I think each week, again, it’s ramped up so that’s been good, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”