Last week, two starters were considered unavailable in the Week 1 win over Akron. This week, the Ohio State availability report has no big names listed as unavailable. Donovan Jackson and Cody Simon, while available for the Buckeyes against the Western Michigan Broncos, are considered game-time decisions.
Ohio State Availability Report Has the Buckeyes at Full Strength in Week 2
Only four Buckeyes are listed as unavailable this week:
OL Devontae Armstrong
S Jayden Bonsu
RB TC Caffey
WR Reis Stocksdale
All four of these Buckeyes were unavailable last week with Simon, Jackson, and defensive lineman Cade Casto being elevated to available.
Getting Jackson and Simon back will be massive for Ohio State against Western Michigan. Jackson is considered to be one of the top guards in the country. In the preseason during watchlist season, he was named to both the Lombardi Trophy and Outland Trophy watchlists. Jackson was also named to Bruce Feldman’s “Freak List” as well as numerous preseason First-Team and Second-Team All-American honors.
Simon is a captain for the Buckeyes and was honored with the “Block O” jersey this year. Last week, C.J. Hicks and Sonny Styles held down the fort quite well and combined for 12 tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss.
As game-time decisions, it would not be surprising if either Jackson and/or Simon were held out as a precaution or put on a pitch count against what should be a lesser opponent with the early bye next week. Of course, several highly-rated teams have overlooked some MAC teams and nearly paid for it.
The Buckeyes will look to get things going quickly against the Broncos and with a nearly fully healthy Week 2 availability report, they should be good to go.
Caffey’s unavailability is not a surprise as he suffered a season-ending injury in Fall Camp.
