Ohio State “Hoping,” Not “Expecting” Jaxon Smith-Njigba Will Return This Season

Smith-Njigba has played in just three games this fall as he's dealt with a lingering hamstring injury.

With anywhere from three to five games remaining in the season, time is running out for Ohio State junior wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to return from a lingering hamstring injury.

Head coach Ryan Day seemed to acknowledge that fact during his lightning round media availability on Thursday afternoon when asked if he was expecting the star wideout to play again this fall.

“I wouldn’t say ‘expecting,’” Day said. “I’d probably say more ‘hoping,’ but no (other) update at this point.”

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Smith-Njigba has caught just five passes for 43 yards this season after suffering a hamstring injury in the season-opening win over Notre Dame. He then played limited snaps in the victories over Toledo and Iowa, only to be shut down again.

Sophomores Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka have emerged in his absence, catching a combined 111 passes for 1,801 yards and 19 touchdowns, easing some of the concerns about Smith-Njigba's availability down the stretch run.

“Not having Jaxon available for really the whole season is something that has been hard on us,” Day said. “He’s one of the best wide receivers in the country, and not having him available took us a little while to recover early in the season.

“To see those guys step up and see the depth in that room and still be one of the best rooms in the country has been tremendous.”

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