Jaxon Smith-Njigba injury update: Ryan Day give ‘hope’ on Ohio State receiver

Ohio State football had to find a way to win without star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba against Notre Dame. Ryan Day is hopeful he’ll be back soon.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba had to leave Saturday’s game against Notre Dame with an apparent lower body injury.

After watching their offense struggle without the wide receiver, Ohio State fans will be waiting with bated breath for a positive update.

They got a bit of a crumb after the game from head coach Ryan Day said he was has “hope” to have Smith-Njigba and fellow receiver Julian Fleming back by next week.

Ohio State injury update: Ryan Day ‘hopeful’ on Jaxon Smith-Njigba

That’s not exactly a detailed update from the head coach, but it’s something. It doesn’t sound like the injury is too serious, though more will certainly be learned over the next day or two.

Fleming didn’t suit up for the season opener while dealing with an injury.

Getting both of those talents back should give the Buckeyes offense a boost though Ohio State can’t count those chickens until they hatch.

The Buckeyes battled with the Irish for most of the game before pulling away safely in the final minutes. They trailed 10-7 and needed two second-half touchdowns to see off the opposition.

It wasn’t an especially impressive performance but a win over a Top 5 opponent is still a win, especially when it ends up being by 11 points.

It would have been interesting to see how the game might have played out if CJ Stroud had his most dangerous weapon for more of the game. Surely the receiver who had a 1,600-yard season in 2021 might have been able to make the whole affair a little less nervy.