Jaxon Smith-Njigba's chances of playing in 2022 addressed ahead of Ohio State's Week 10 game

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s status gets some possible good news per Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. Smith-Njigba has been dealing with an undisclosed injury after Week 1 against Notre Dame and was able to make an appearance in the recent game against Iowa.

Smith-Njigba played roughly 20 snaps but was limited in the game. Against Penn State, he did not play.

Per Eleven Warriors Griffin Strom:

Ryan Day is "absolutely" confident that Jaxon Smith-Njigba could still play for Ohio State this season, but thinks the Buckeyes could still achieve their goals without him.

— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) November 1, 2022

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Wide receiver coach Brian Hartline also addressed Smith-Njigba’s issues. According to Hartline, the receiver “wants to play in the worst way” and he remains confident Smith-Njigba will be back at some point this season.

Hartline on Smith-Njigba: "He's beating himself up a little bit. He's been better this week. … He wants to play in the worst way."

Hartline says he has a "huge level of confidence" that he'll play again for the Buckeyes.

— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) November 1, 2022

Smith-Njigba was outstanding during the 2021 season for the Buckeyes and made a name for himself with dynamic route running and his catching ability. In the Rose Bowl against Utah, he had a historic 15 receptions for 347 yards with an average of 23 yards per catch.

He was primed for another major year in the prolific Ryan Day offense. Unfortunately, he’s had very few snaps this year. On the year, Smith-Njigba has just 5receptions for 43 yards.

Day feels confident that the offense has done well despite Smith-Njigba’s absence and will continue to as they enter the back half of the schedule.