Ohio State star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba suffered a scary knee injury during the Buckeyes’ season-opening victory over Notre Dame, but it looks like it’s not all that serious, according to Ohio State head coach Ryan Day.
In an appearance on the Big Ten Network on Monday, Day revealed that Smith-Njigba’s injury is “not a long-term thing” and that the team hopes to have him back for Saturday’s game against the Arkansas State Lobos.
“We’re evaluating him this week and hoping to have him back this Saturday,” Day said, according to Eleven Warriors. “Having him as part of our offense is a big deal. He makes such an impact. Not too many guys you can say at the wide receiver makes everybody else on the field better, but Jaxon does. It was great to see some guys step up in his absence, but yeah, it’s not a long-term thing and we’ll evaluate him throughout the week.”
Smith-Njigba entered the 2022-23 season as arguably the top wide receiver in the country and one of the top overall prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.
In his last appearance before the Notre Dame game, Smith-Njigba set multiple Ohio State and Rose Bowl records, finishing with 14 receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns.
Needless to say, the Buckeyes will be glad to have him back.
