Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba Playing Today? (Latest Injury Update for Michigan vs. Ohio State in Week 13)
By Reed Wallach
Before the season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was receiving dark horse Heisman Trophy buzz, but that hasn't been the case all season as he's been hampered by injuries for much of it.
After a 95-catch season in 2021, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has hardly played this season, getting hurt in the team's opener against Notre Dame and playing in only three games. However, will he be available for the team's massive game agaisnt No. 3 Michigan?
Here's the latest on the Ohio State wide receiver:
Latest Jaxon Smith-Njigba Injury Update
Saturday morning update: Jaxon Smith-Njigba WILL NOT return for the No. 2 Buckeyes against Michigan on Saturday, per Pete Thamel of ESPN.
Sources: Ohio State RB Miyan Williams back for Michigan game. TreVeyon Henderson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are out for Ohio State today. https://t.co/MDyz4x0sZw
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 26, 2022
Smith-Njigba has only five catches this season for 43 yards across three games as he hasn't been able to stay on the field for the Buckeyes. While there was no clear update from Ohio State head coach Ryan Day on game week, this was the latest quote about JSN's avialbaility this season:
Is Ryan Day still expecting to get Jaxon Smith-Njigba back this season? “I wouldn’t say expecting, I’d probably say more hoping.”
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) November 17, 2022
Ohio State has fared just fine without their preseason No. 1 wideout as Marvin Harrison Jr, Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming have all picked up the slack. The team is No. 4 in passing success rate and No. 1 in terms of EPA/Pass.
For more Ohio State vs. Michigan coverage, check out this week's Early Reed!
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