COLUMBUS — Ohio State could get a key defender back for Saturday’s top-15 showdown at Iowa, as defensive end Zion Grady’s name did not appear on the Buckeyes’ availability report released Wednesday night.
Grady has been sidelined since Ohio State’s loss to Texas earlier this season. His absence from the report clears the way for a potential return against the Hawkeyes, who are coming off a big road win over Michigan and enter the weekend with plenty of confidence.
Not all the news was good on the injury front. Starting offensive lineman Phillip Daniels is listed as questionable for the trip to Iowa City, along with linebacker Braxton Rembert, running back Anthony Rogers, defensive back Brenton “Inky” Jones, cornerback Jay Timmons, and tight end Bennett Christian.
Listed as out are offensive linemen Jaxon Powell and Vasean Washington and wide receiver Amari Valerio-Hudson.
Big Ten rules require both teams to release availability reports beginning Wednesday night, and this weekend’s matchup shapes up as one of the conference’s biggest of the season. With both programs in the top 15 and the Hawkeyes riding momentum from their win in Ann Arbor, Saturday’s game in Iowa City will be a major test for the Buckeyes — and a possible showcase for Grady’s return to the defensive line.