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No restrictions for Justin Fields as Ohio State hits winter workouts
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As tough as Justin Fields was during the final three games of Ohio State’s season, there was no question he wasn’t quite at full strength. A knee injury sustained against Penn State and aggravated further against Michigan hindered the typically-mobile Buckeye quarterback.
In the B1G Championship Game and Fiesta Bowl, Fields struggled to pick up yardage on third down with his legs, which had been somewhat of a staple for Ohio State throughout the season. With the injury bothering such an impactful player, the offseason would be dedicated to getting Fields back to 100 percent before the 2020 season.
But apparently Fields hasn’t needed any restrictions as the Buckeyes begin their winter workouts. Strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti said the rising junior quarterback hasn’t really been limited so far.
According to Colin Hass-Hill of Eleven Warriors, Marotti said Fields is practicing with “zero” restrictions at the moment.
Mickey Marotti says Justin Fields is working out with zero restrictions right now.
— Colin Hass-Hill (@chasshill) January 22, 2020
That’s a good sign for Fields.
Earlier this offseason, head coach Ryan Day talked about Fields’ injury, saying it wasn’t anything major. He did confirm, though, that Fields wasn’t able to be himself due to the nature of the injury.
Along with working out without any restrictions, Marotti also said that Fields is completely different right now than he was a year go. The reason? The 29-23 loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. Jeremy Birmingham of Lettermen Row reported Marotti’s statement.
Mick Marotti said Justin Fields is “completely different” than he was a year ago because of the loss to Clemson.
— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) January 22, 2020
That’s a scary thought considering the amount of success Fields had in his first year at Ohio State. Prior to the Fiesta Bowl, Fields had accounted for 50 touchdowns (40 passing, 10 rushing) with just one interception.
An improved Fields in 2020 would be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB