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Buckeyes getting pass-rush boost with key starters available at Indiana

Austin-Wardby:Austin Ward•10/23/21•

AWardSports

Tyreke Smith by Birm -- Lettermen Row
Ohio State is expected to have Tyreke Smith available after a three-week absence. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Ohio State has another defensive weapon finally at its disposal.

After a makeshift stretch for the Buckeyes up front, the Rushmen unit appears to be as healthy as it has been perhaps all season as it welcomes Tyreke Smith back to the lineup.

The veteran pass-rusher has been given the green light to return after missing the last three games with a concussion. And along with defensive tackle Haskell Garrett passing all health checks during practice this week, Ohio State will have the top of the depth chart fully stocked on Saturday night at Indiana.

The Buckeyes appear to have picked up a few off-week injuries on the offensive side of the football. But the chance to rest and get a few extra days to recover came at a perfect time for a potential difference-maker like Smith.

“He’s a veteran player who has a lot of ability,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said on Thursday. “I know this is going to be a big stretch for him. He’s had a good week of practice, and I’m looking forward to seeing him out there.

Tyreke Smith-Ohio State-Buckeyes-Ohio State football
Ohio State defensive end Tyreke Smith has missed the last three games for the Buckeyes. (Zack Carpenter/Lettermen Row)

“This is important for him. I know he wants to finish his career the right way and play really well for us and produce at a high level. He’s highly motivated and always has been. So, it’s good to get him back on the field.”

Smith hasn’t been there in a month due to what appeared to be a concussion, and that’s kept him from making the kind of impact he and Ohio State envisioned as he came into the season. Smith’s freakish combination of size and speed made him a potential early-round NFL Draft pick with a productive year for the Buckeyes, but so far he’s been limited to one tackle for loss in three games.

Assuming Smith gets back on track and Garrett continues to play like an All-American on the interior, Ohio State has a chance to keep improving defensively heading into the second half of the season. The same is true for the nation’s most explosive offense, although it will have its depth tested with backup running backs Master Teague and Marcus Crowley ruled out with undisclosed issues.

For the most part, though, Ohio State is about as healthy as possible at this point of the season — right on time as the stakes get higher in the Big Ten race.

The full availability report from the program is below, making note that Ohio State doesn’t reveal specific injury information or designate possible disciplinary absences.

Ohio State Game-Time Decisions

  • None

Unavailable Buckeyes

  • WR Kamryn Babb
  • RB Marcus Crowley
  • DB Jantzen Dunn
  • DE Tyler Friday
  • DB Jakailin Johnson
  • DB Jaylen Johnson
  • DT Jaden McKenzie
  • LB Mitchell Melton
  • OL Harry Miller
  • DT Noah Potter
  • DB Josh Proctor
  • TE Gee Scott
  • RB Master Teague
  • OL Enokk Vimahi

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