Buckeyes' Josh Proctor Questionable, 5 OUT vs. Penguins

The Ohio State Buckeyes have not been badly bitten by the injury bug so far this season, but have a key player who could sit out against the Youngstown State Penguins.

The Ohio State Buckeyes escaped Bloomington, Indiana, not only with a win but also by keeping their players healthy — a crucial aspect of early-season play before the brunt of the Big Ten slate.

Ohio State has five players out for their home opener against the Youngstown State Penguins, all of whom missed against Indiana as well: wide receiver Kyion Grayes, tight end Zak Herbstreit, defensive lineman Will Smith Jr., wide receiver Reis Stocksdale and linebacker Kourt Williams II. Williams is out for the year with a torn ACL.

Safety Josh Proctor was listed on the injury report as questionable after starting at the adjuster last week and playing well. He had four tackles, one for loss on the second drive of the game and breaking up one pass against the Hoosiers.

This gives way to freshman safety Malik Hartford to potentially get the start if Proctor can't go. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Tuesday that Hartford and Proctor were battling for the starting spot but the latter's experience earned him the starting nod.

Hartford was still in on 25 of the Buckeyes' 55 defensive snaps even as the backup, so, if the Buckeyes hold Proctor out against the Penguins, Syracuse transfer safety Ja'Had Carter will likely get his first snaps in the scarlet and gray.

Players who were unavailable last week and are not on the injury report this week are safety Jayden Bonsu, running back T.C. Caffey, and wide receiver Joop Mitchell.

OUT:

WR Kyion Grayes

TE Zak Herbstreit

DL Will Smith Jr.

WR Reis Stocksdale

LB Kourt Williams II

QUESTIONABLE:

SAF Josh Proctor