Ohio State's defensive line might be right back to full strength this Saturday.
Starting defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. missed the second half of the Buckeyes' game against Minnesota this past weekend, but Ryan Day said in his press conference Tuesday that the senior could be back in the fold when Ohio State plays at Illinois.
"Definitely a chance (he'll be back)," Day said. "We'll see how today goes. But we're hopeful he plays on Saturday."
Jackson delivered a massive hit to Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey in the first half of the game, but went down following the blow and lay on the ground for several minutes in some pain. Ohio State trainers evaluated him, eventually helped him to his feet and he walked gingerly to the sideline.
NBC later reported during the broadcast that the injury was a "stinger." Jackson did not return to the contest, coming out in street clothes for the second half.
Jackson's been Caden Curry's rock-steady partner in crime at defensive end this season, picking up six tackles with two tackles for loss and a sack through five games while playing some disciplined football to set others up. It's the second time he's been hurt this season, as he missed the bulk of the second half of Ohio State's Week 1 win over Texas with an undisclosed ailment suffered during a play.
Should Jackson be unavailable on Saturday, North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson is likely to start in his place. It could also mean more snaps for freshman Zion Grady and Idaho State transfer Logan George, as the Ohio State staff is keeping redshirt options open for senior C.J. Hicks.
With or without Jackson, No. 1 Ohio State faces No. 17 Illinois at noon Saturday in Champaign.
