Robert Landers was not expected to appear before the media on Monday but the Ohio State defensive tackle still made news.
The redshirt freshman appeared on the indoor practice field of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with his right foot in a walking boot from the ankle down. He walked without a noticeable limp, however, and a team spokesman said his status for Saturday's showdown with No. 3 Michigan remains unchanged.
“He is expected to play,” the spokesman told reporters.
A pleasant surprise for Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes on the defensive line, Landers has 16 tackles through 11 games for the 10-1 Buckeyes. His 7.5 tackles for loss are tied for third-most on the team with linebacker Jerome Baker. Landers also recorded his first career sack in Ohio State's 58-0 win against Rutgers on Oct. 1.
A Huber Heights, Ohio, native and former three-star recruit from Wayne High School, Landers is set to participate in his first career Michigan game. Kickoff between the Wolverines and Buckeyes is set for noon on Saturday.
