Buckeyes expect star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to play this weekend
COLUMBUS — Ohio State just might be getting one of its premier playmakers back this week.
Buckeyes superstar wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is “expected” to be back this week, according to head coach Ryan Day.
Day did include the caveat for Smith-Nigha’s return for the Buckeyes this week, saying he won’t take the field if he isn’t 100-percent ready to play.
“He’s farther along than he was at this time last week,” Day said Tuesday during his weekly press conference. “We’re going to expect him to play this weekend. We’ll see how this week goes. We’re going to only put him ion the game if he’s 100-percent ready to roll.”
Ohio State also expects Julian Fleming back on the field this week. Fleming has missed each of the first two games of the season due to a lingering injury.
Ohio State will not rush its star player back, especially with the Big Ten slate just one week away from beginning.
In Smith-Njigba’s absence, Ohio State has been able to rely on Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, among others, as part of the deepest and arguably most talented receiver room in the country.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Mack Brown
UNC fires head coach
- 2New
Spurrier calls out Kiffin
SEC Championship game comments draw ire
- 3
Urban Meyer
Ex-coach addresses Michigan doubters
- 4
Shedeur Sanders
No suspension for ref shove
- 5Hot
CFP using BCS formula
Predicting CFP Top 25 using BCS formula
Smith-Njigba certainly elevates that room even further, and the Buckeyes will be a more potent offense with him in the lineup.
But they have made it clear that they won’t rush their best receiver — and one of the best at his position in America — unless he is ready to go.
That might come as early as Saturday when the Buckeyes take on Toledo at 7 p.m. inside the Horseshoe and on FOX.
Smith-Njigba is nearing 100 percent after a couple of weeks being on the sideline.
Lettermen Row will have more coverage of the Ryan Day and Ohio State press conference as they become available.
Are you subscribed yet?
Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to the everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.
Already signed up? Don’t forget to join u