Ryan Day was without two key starting players for Ohio State in the season opener against Akron. He’s not ready to declare those players fit to return to the field, but it does not sound like a long-term situation for either player.

At his Tuesday press conference, Day said linebacker Cody Simon and offensive guard Donovan Jackson are both “day-to-day” with their respective injuries. A determination on their availability in Week 2 will be made this week.

Jackson is Ohio State’s stalwart at guard who has been a major contributor throughout his Buckeye career. The offensive line certainly misses his presence, but the offense was able to find some consistency after a slow start against Akron.

Simon is the veteran in the linebacker room who has been penciled into the starting Mike LB job for some time now. The good news is defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said he viewed every player in the trio of Simon, Sonny Styles and CJ Hicks as starting caliber entering the season.

Day also said he was pleased from the performance of Austin Siereveld who made his first career start in place of Jackson on Saturday. The head coach described Siereveld as a player “who has real potential” and was not far off from grading out as a champion in the win.

Regardless of Jackson’s status, it sounds like Siereveld is looking at more playing time in the future.