Jaxon Smith-Njigba out once more as hamstring points persist, sources say

Ohio State star broad receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba won’t play Saturday in opposition to Penn State, sources advised ESPN.

Smith-Njigba did not observe this week and did not journey with the crew to State Faculty, Pennsylvania, sources mentioned. The timetable for his return is unsure, sources mentioned, as Smith-Njigba offers with a vexing hamstring harm.

He has but to play a whole sport this season for the No. 2 Buckeyes, because the frustration began when he injured his hamstring in opposition to Notre Dame early within the season opener. He returned for video games in opposition to Toledo (Sept. 17) and Iowa (Oct. 22) however was unable to complete both contest.

Ohio State has handled Smith-Njigba’s harm with an abundance of warning, ready till after the bye week to return in opposition to Iowa final week. However Smith-Njigba pulled up on a route within the second quarter, leaving the sector with a slight limp, and by no means went again within the sport.

Buckeyes coach Ryan Day remained obscure about Smith-Njigba’s standing this week, saying he would “depart it as much as the medical doctors and professionals in that space.”

Smith-Njigba entered his junior season well known as the perfect broad receiver within the nation. He put collectively the perfect single season for a large receiver in Huge Ten historical past in 2021, amassing 1,606 receiving yards. That included a historic Rose Bowl efficiency the place he caught 15 passes for a report 347 yards.

In his three video games this 12 months, Smith-Njigba has caught 5 passes for 43 yards.