Ohio State Injury Update

Jim Tressel updated the media to the injuries of Buckeyes this week during his weekly Tuesday press conference. Jake Stoneburner, Travis Howard, Dorian Bell, and Chimdi Chekwa were discussed. Others remain out for an extended amount of time including safety CJ Barnett and special teams standout Donnie Evege.

By Steve Patterson

Jake Stoneburner who sprained his ankle in the game against Eastern Michigan this past Saturday hopes to return. Head Coach Jim Tressel didn’t seem as optimistic that Stoneburner would be able to return as the sprain is a high ankle sprain that could take more time to heal. If he cannot play then Reid Fragel will play a lot in the match-up this weekend against Illinois.

Travis Howard and Dorian Bell will both be back. Both players were injured in the game against Ohio University two weeks ago. Bell is a linebacker that plays mostly on special teams while Howard is the primary backup cornerback. He was missed this past weekend when Ohio State lost Chimdi Chekwa for a number of plays with back spasms.

Safety Nate Oliver is also struggling with a hamstring injury which further depletes the Buckeye’s kick off coverage which has been questionable all year. He may be able to go according to Coach Tressel.