Ryan Day updates timeline for Donovan Jackson injury return
Donovan Jackson did not play in Ohio State‘s season-opening 52-6 win over Akron on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury. After the game, OSU head coach Ryan Day provided further details on Jackson’s injury status.
“He’s going to have a full week next week. We plan on him playing next week,” Day said. “If he doesn’t, then that means he has had a setback. But we want to be smart. We know it’s a long season. He was really all over us about getting back but we’re only going to do it when we feel like the trainers give him the full go on that.”
Buckeyes fans couldn’t ask for better news. Although Ohio State’s offensive line was fine without Jackson on Saturday, he is key to the Buckeyes’ success. The 2024 campaign will be Jackson’s fourth year with Ohio State.
He boasts 39 career appearances and had made 26 consecutive starts at left guard before his absence on Saturday. For his efforts, he was named an All-Big Ten selection the last two seasons and a candidate for the All-American team.
Watch College Football Games Live -Try for Free Fubo! Click HERE NOW
Redshirt freshman Austin Siereveld started in Jackson’s place on Saturday. Evidently, Siereveld held his own. The Buckeyes did not allow a single sack in the game. Earlier this month, Day broke down Siereveld’s growth.
“He’s an example of somebody who had an opportunity and really stepped into that opportunity and took it and ran,” Day said. “It wasn’t easy early on, I think the first week as he made that transition, being forced into a role with the ‘ones’ and blocking Ty Hamilton and Tyleik [Williams] and some of our guys up front. But he made that adjustment quickly, and he kind of got thrown into the fire. And, because of that, he became a better player for it.
“That’s an example for our entire staff. Some of these guys, we’ve got to build depth. We’ve got to get them in the game and allow them to play. Austin’s an example of that.”
If Donovan Jackson is unable to return next week, Ohio State’s offensive line should be able to manage without him. The Buckeyes will not face an AP Top 25 opponent until Oct. 5 when they square off against the Iowa Hawkeyes, who always boast a strong defense.
However, before the Buckeyes can look ahead, they must deal with the opponent in front of them. On Saturday, OSU will take on Western Michigan at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.