Ohio State will be without multiple starters, including a pair on the defensive line, for Saturday night’s game against Akron.
Cornerback Cameron Brown, left guard Thayer Munford, defensive end Tyreke Smith and defensive tackle Taron Vincent were among 16 players listed as unavailable on the Buckeyes’ pregame status report.
The hit to their depth on the defensive line also includes Javontae Jean-Baptiste, a key part of the defensive end rotation who started for an injured Zach Harrison last week.
Though sidelined for a 41-20 win over Tulsa, Harrison is slated to return along with linebacker Teradja Mitchell. Neither was on the unavailable list.
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But the absences of Jean-Baptiste and Smith will likely mean larger roles for promising freshmen Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, who are coming off career highs in snaps against the Golden Hurricane.
Matt Jones, who filled in when Munford was injured last week, is likely to start in his place, while Sevyn Banks or Ryan Watts could step in at the outside corner spot for Brown.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud not out against Akron
Starting quarterback C.J. Stroud was not ruled out for the final non-conference game, but coach Ryan Day said on Thursday that Stroud is likely to only be available in an emergency role as they look to rest his shoulder. Kyle McCord or Jack Miller will start.
Other unavailable players include running back Marcus Crowley, wide receiver Julian Fleming, center Harry Miller and defensive tackle Noah Potter.
Miller was the presumptive starter at center in preseason training camp, but has not appeared in a game this season for undisclosed reasons. Redshirt freshman Luke Wypler has held onto the starting spot at center in his absence.
The rest of the unavailable list includes wide receiver Kamryn Babb, defensive Tyler Friday, safety Jaylen Johnson, offensive lineman Trey Leroux, linebacker Mitchell Melton, safety Josh Proctor and offensive lineman Ryan Smith.
Proctor suffered a leg fracture against Oregon that required surgery, sidelining him for the season.
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Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.
