Ohio State is expecting one of its starting safeties back this week.
Josh Proctor, who was unavailable for last week’s game against Michigan State, is expected to be back in the lineup at free safety for the Buckeyes against Minnesota on Saturday, Ryan Day said Thursday on his radio show.
“He should be ready to go for Saturday, which is a great boost to our defense,” Day said.
Proctor missed the Michigan State game after taking a shot to the head on a pass deflection that led to a 93-yard interception return touchdown by Jordan Hancock in the third quarter against Rutgers. With Proctor sidelined, Malik Hartford made his second start of the season in place of Proctor at free safety against Michigan State.
While Hartford performed well in his second start, recording four tackles in the process, it’s certainly important for Ohio State to get Proctor back in action this week ahead of next week’s game against Michigan. In eight starts this year, Proctor has played the best football of his Ohio State career as he has recorded 35 tackles with four tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and an interception that he returned for a 24-yard touchdown against Maryland.
This week’s game will also carry extra meaning for Proctor as it will be the final home game of his six-year Ohio State career as he will be among the Buckeyes participating in the pregame Senior Day recognition.
Ohio State’s other starting deep safety, Lathan Ransom, will remain sidelined for the rest of the regular season due to an injury he suffered against Wisconsin. Sonny Styles is expected to continue starting at strong safety in place of Ransom.
Day did not comment specifically on Thursday on whether Tommy Eichenberg will be back this week, though he said the Buckeyes were “looking forward to getting a couple of guys back” on defense after Eichenberg, Proctor and Ransom all missed the Michigan State game. Eichenberg was in uniform with a brace on his injured arm as the Buckeyes came off the practice field Wednesday.
It remains unclear whether Mike Hall will be available against Minnesota after he played only two series against Michigan State, as Day said Tuesday that he did not have an update to provide on Hall’s status.
