Ohio State is without Emeka Egbuka for Saturday’s game against Purdue.
Egbuka did not make the trip to West Lafayette and will not play in Saturday’s game against the Boilermakers, Ryan Day confirmed after the team’s arrival at their hotel on Friday.
.@ryandaytime confirms upon arrival here in Lafayette, Ind., that wr @emeka_egbuka did not make trip, recovering from lower leg injury suffered vs MD. Day touched on several subjects, including weather, run game, etc. headed toward Saturday noon kickoff at Purdue. pic.twitter.com/ob0D9V4xCk
— Tim May (@TIM_MAYsports) October 13, 2023
Egbuka was injured early in the fourth quarter against Maryland when he was tackled along the sideline on an 8-yard catch. He limped off the field with assistance from members of Ohio State’s medical staff and did not return to the game. He was seen riding a stationary bike on the sideline later in the fourth quarter, but was wearing a walking boot when he left the stadium after the game.
Day said during his Tuesday press conference that Egbuka’s injury is “not going to be a long-term issue,” but has not elaborated on whether he expects Egbuka to be available next week against Penn State.
With Egbuka sidelined, Xavier Johnson is likely the leading candidate to start in his place at slot receiver. Carnell Tate could also be a candidate to play increased snaps at wide receiver, while Ohio State could also utilize more two-tight end sets as it did last week with Gee Scott Jr.
Ohio State’s full status report of players who are unavailable or questionable for the Purdue game will be released at 10 a.m. Saturday.
