Will the Ohio State Buckeyes be dealing with any notable injuries as they face the Michigan Wolverines in the season finale? Will they be at full strength for the most important game of the 2023 campaign? Here’s the latest on the Buckeyes’ roster stability.
Ohio State Injury Update: Michael Hall Jr., Lathan Ransom May Be Available in Week 13
Injuries hampered the Buckeyes earlier in the 2023 season, but things have since stabilized for head coach Ryan Day’s squad, and there’s optimism that the roster will be at — or at least near — full strength for the team’s season-defining battle with Michigan.
After Ohio State’s 37-3 victory against Minnesota in Week 12, per Cleveland.com, Day said the following about Ohio State’s status heading into the final week: “We should be at full capacity.”
This statement implies that several players who’ve previously been day-to-day, such as safety Lathan Ransom and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, could very well return in Week 13.
Ransom has been dealing with a leg injury since Ohio State’s game against Wisconsin on Oct. 24. Eichenberg, meanwhile, has been out with an undisclosed issue since the team’s game against Rutgers on Nov. 4.
Safety Josh Proctor, who missed the Michigan State game but returned against Minnesota, should also be expected to remain available.
Defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is also listed as being day-to-day, after sitting out the Minnesota game. He only played two series of the previous Michigan State game before being sidelined.
When asked specifically about Hall Jr. and his availability, Day gave the following confirmation: “I will try to give you guys somewhat of an update next week. But yeah, we’re expecting to get everybody back.”
MORE: Roman Wilson, Michigan Injury Update
The return of several key defensive contributors comes at an opportune time for the Buckeyes. In Week 13, Ohio State will play Michigan in a battle of undefeated teams that will determine the Big Ten East champion.
Whoever wins this game will play Iowa — the Big Ten West champion — in the Big Ten Championship game. Thus, it’s very likely that the winner of the Ohio State-Michigan matchup will be the Big Ten’s representative in the College Football Playoff.
The stakes are incredibly high for Ohio State. Thus, it’s very noteworthy that the team is projected to be at full strength as it takes on J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, and the Wolverines’ offense.