Ohio State defensive starter out versus Minnesota, two key Buckeyes 'questionable'
COLUMBUS — Ohio State defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. is officially out for Saturday’s home finale against Minnesota. Meanwhile, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and backup quarterback Devin Brown are both listed as “questionable.”
Hall played just 10 defensive snaps against Michigan State last week and didn’t see the field after the second defensive series of the 38-3 win.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day declined to provide an update on Hall when asked about his injury Tuesday.
“I don’t really have an update on Mike right now,” Day said.
The 6-foot-2, 280-pound Streetsboro, Ohio, native also has 17 total tackles and 1.5 sacks to his name. He’s missed just two tackles in his 333 defensive snaps this year, per Pro Football Focus. Although he’s been overshadowed by the breakout of fellow Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, Hall has made an impact greater than what’s visible in the box score.
Hall is an important part of the Buckeyes’ defense, particularly their pass rush. He ranks second on the team with 23 pressures generated this season, according to PFF.
He did battle a nagging shoulder injury in 2022, but, rather than shutting himself down for the rest of the season, Hall kept playing through the pain, albeit with a curtailed snap count.
READ: What’s next for Ohio State at defensive tackle if Mike Hall Jr. isn’t available?
But Hall won’t be available for Ohio State Saturday against Minnesota.
As for Eichenberg and Brown, their status will be monitored as kickoff approaches. Eichenberg suffered an arm injury at Rutgers two weeks ago and didn’t play last week against Michigan State. Brown went down with an ankle injury last month against Penn State and hasn’t played since.
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Brown, notably, fell down in pregame warmups last week, which Day considered “just a bit of a setback.” The redshirt freshman suited up but didn’t play. That opened the door for true freshman Lincoln Kienholz to make his debut in relief of starter Kyle McCord during the final stages of the blowout win over the Spartans.
NOTE: Safety Josh Proctor, who sat out last week’s game versus Michigan State, is available Saturday against Minnesota. Proctor was sidelined two weeks ago at Rutgers after his heads-up hit and deflection, which led to a game-changing pick-six by Buckeyes cornerback Jordan Hancock.
Questionable
QB Devin Brown
LB Tommy Eichenberg
Out
DT Mike Hall Jr.
S Lathan Ransom
S Cameron Martinez
WR Kyion Grayes
DT Jason Moore
DT Will Smith Jr.
Out for season
TE Zak Herbstreit (season)
WR Reis Stocksdale (season)
DB Kourt Williams II (season)
RB Miyan Williams (season)
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