Multiple veteran players absent, sidelined during Ohio State practice

Multiple veteran players were absent and sidelined during a recent practice for Ohio State, according to Cleveland.com.

Receiver Garrett Wilson, offensive lineman Thayer Munford, defensive end Tyreke Smith and defensive tackle Jarron Cage are the players who missed practice.

Wilson wasn’t dealing with a prior injury before missing practice. Redshirt freshman Julian Fleming and freshman Marvin Harrison Jr. would be in line to take the place of Wilson if he ended up missing time.

Cage, expected to possibly be a starter at nose tackle, was reported to be wearing a sling on his right arm. Cage took the place of now-Cleveland Browns rookie Tommy Togiai in the national championship game when Togiai tested positive for COVID-19.

Matthew Jones took the first-team reps at left guard during practice after Munford missed practice.

There’s no indication that there are long-term injuries for any players who missed practice. However, it is worth noting that they were not on the field or were in a limited role Thursday.

Ohio State kicks off its quest for a national title with a primetime matchup at Minnesota on Sept. 2 (8 p.m. EST/FOX).