Ohio State Buckeyes redshirt senior wide receiver and team captain C.J. Saunders is out for Saturday’s season-opener vs. FAU, per Buckeyes beat writer Stephen Means of Cleveland.com.

A former walk-on, Saunders has appeared in 16 games over the last two seasons for Ohio State, totaling 27 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown.

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His leadership will be missed, but the Buckeyes have plenty of other playmakers on the outside that can step up vs. FAU in Saunders’ stead.

Seniors Austin Mack and Binjimen Victor and sophomore Chris Olave give new starting quarterback, Georgia transfer Justin Fields, a trio of strong, returning options.

Michigan fans likely remember Olave well for his two-touchdown performance in last November’s 62-39 victory.

Seniors tight end Rashod Berry and defensive end Jonathan Cooper and sophomore defensive tackle Taron Vincent have also been ruled out for the game.

Ohio State-FAU from Ohio Stadium in Columbus will kick at 12:00PM ET.