With right guard Matthew Jones' status unclear, Ohio State might have to turn to backups

The injury situation at running back for both Ohio State and Michigan has been a major storyline for Saturday’s game, but Buckeyes right guard Matthew Jones’ status is also unclear.

The fifth-year senior was injured with just over 3 minutes left in Saturday’s 43-30 victory over Maryland. He was engaged in a block when Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden was tackled into the back of the guard’s legs.

He reacted immediately, banging both hands onto his helmet in pain. He walked gingerly with help to the sideline. He was eventually carted to the locker room. After the game, he was on crutches.

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Jones has dealt with a lingering foot injury much of this season but has played through it.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day said the Buckeyes have a couple of options if Jones can’t play Saturday. Enokk Vimahi, a fourth-year junior from Hawaii, has been the top substitute guard this season, and he replaced Jones against Maryland. Coaches praised Vimahi’s development in the spring, saying that he had proven to be worthy of starting.

Ohio State also could use Josh Fryar at guard. He is a natural tackle and started against Indiana two weeks ago when right tackle Dawand Jones was injured.

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“If need be, you have a couple of options right there that we’ll work through the week if we do need to go to depth and who to choose,” Day said. “A lot of that has to do with how the week goes and how Matt’s feeling and how well those guys do in picking up the game plan.”

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Day said that Fryar, a third-year sophomore from Indiana, has also played guard and tight end. He has been used as an extra lineman in short-yardage situations.

“He has some experience going inside and outside,” Day said.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football may not have Matt Jones. Who would start at RG?