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Former Ohio State Buckeyes, including 4 on Bengals, look to make difference in NFL Playoffs

chris pugh, the columbus dispatch
·2 min read
1

Are you ready for some football?

Several former Ohio State Buckeyes are expected to play big roles in this weekend's NFL Playoff games.

The Cincinnati Bengals have the most former Buckeyes in upcoming games on its team (4). followed by the Dallas Cowboys (3), the New England Patriots (2), the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams (1).

The Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals have no former Buckeyes on their teams.

Here are the NFL Playoff matchups this weekend and former Ohio State Buckeyes who are expected to play in the games.

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) in the second half of the NFL game on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Kansas City Chiefs 34-31.
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) in the second half of the NFL game on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Kansas City Chiefs 34-31.

Raiders at Bengals

For the Raiders, There are questions concerning defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins' availability for Sunday's game. According to reports, he is dealing with back and knee issues. Hankins played 29 snaps in last week's game.

For the Bengals, Eli Apple, Vonn Bell and Sam Hubbard have been starters for the defense. Isaiah Prince is expected to start his fourth straight game at offensive tackle.

Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade plays against Indiana during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade plays against Indiana during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Patriots at Bills

Shaun Wade is on the reserve/COVID-19 list and may be able to clear protocols. Raekwon McMillan has missed this season for the New England Patriots with a torn ACL.

The Bills don't have any former Buckeyes on their roster.

Eagles at Buccaneers

There are no former Buckeyes on the Eagles or Buccaneers roster.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) reaches to catch a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) reaches to catch a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

49ers at Cowboys

Defensive lineman Nick Bosa finished the regular season with 15.5 sacks, the fifth-most in franchise history

Trey Sermon has had a slow rookie season for the 49ers, with 167 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards.

Ezekiel Elliott finished the season with 1,002 rushing yards and ten touchdowns for Dallas.

In addition, Noah Brown has 16 receptions for the Cowboys, while Jake McQuaide serves as the long snapper for the team.

INTERIOR LINEMAN — Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
INTERIOR LINEMAN — Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers at Chiefs

Cam Heyward has been a standout defensive lineman this season for the Steelers with 10 sacks.

Dwayne Haskins is the Steelers' third-string quarterback and has not played this season.

There are no former Buckeyes on the Chiefs active roster.

Los Angeles Rams' Dont'e Deayon and Jordan Fuller break up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers' Marquez Valdes-Scantling during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Los Angeles Rams' Dont'e Deayon and Jordan Fuller break up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers' Marquez Valdes-Scantling during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Cardinals at Rams

Jordan Fuller is a starting safety on the Rams but is injured and is expected to miss the rest of the playoffs.

The Cardinals currently have no former Buckeyes on their team.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football players in the 2021 NFL Playoffs