Ohio State came out of its 24-23 loss to Texas with more than just the sting of a blown lead. The Buckeyes also had to deal with injuries to two key players, though head coach Ryan Day said Tuesday that neither one sounds like a long-term concern.
Sophomore defensive end Zion Grady and senior right tackle Phillip Daniels both exited Saturday night’s game and did not return. Day wasn’t asked about either injury immediately after the game because Ohio State had just watched Texas erase a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit and win by one.
At his Tuesday press conference, Day said the outlook is encouraging.
"I don't see those being long-term injuries," Day said. "We'll kind of see how this week goes to see if we can get them ready for Saturday. We'll probably know later in the week, but don't expect them to be long-term."
Grady’s injury came in the middle of the second quarter while he was rushing off the edge. He spent a couple of minutes in Ohio State’s medical tent before later being on the sideline on a stationary bike.
Daniels went down later, on the Buckeyes’ fourth-quarter drive that ended with Connor Hawkins' missed field goal. On the play, Julian Sayin targeted Nate Roberts and drew a pass interference penalty.
Texas’ Alex January went low on his pass rush, which forced Daniels to bend over the defender as the ball came out. Daniels then limped back toward the sideline, but had to stop before reaching it.
Trainers checked his right knee before helping him off.
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