Ohio State football running back Miyan Williams to return against Michigan
Ohio State running back Miyan Williams is set to return against Michigan on Saturday after being sidelined last week.
His availability for the rivalry game gives a jolt to the Buckeyes’ depth at running back, which was down to one scholarship running back for the second half of last weekend’s win at Maryland, a situation that led freshman Dallan Hayden to carry the ball 27 times against the Terrapins.
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Williams, a hard-running redshirt sophomore, has led the Buckeyes in rushing through most of the regular season with 783 yards and 13 touchdowns. He went down just before halftime in a rout of Indiana when he landed awkwardly on his right foot.
Chip Trayanum, an Arizona State transfer who began the season playing linebacker before returning to running back, is also expected to be back.
TreVeyon Henderson injury to keep him out of Michigan game
But the backfield will not yet be at full strength against the Wolverines. TreVeyon Henderson will remain sidelined with a foot injury, among eight players who were listed as unavailable on the Buckeyes’ pregame status report.
Henderson attempted a return last week at Maryland following a two-game absence, but continued to be hobbled by the issue. He rushed for only 19 yards on 11 carries and left SECU Stadium with a walking boot on his left foot.
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After injuring his foot in a non-conference win over Toledo in September, Henderson aggravated it in a win at Penn State a month later.
It’s left the Buckeyes with one of their top weapons on offense as Henderson’s explosiveness as a runner allowed him to break out as a freshman last fall.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba also out for Ohio State-Michigan
Ohio State’s high-scoring offense will continue to be without star slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who suffered a hamstring injury in the season opener that has limited him for most of the season.
Smith-Njigba attempted to return against Iowa last month before a setback and missing the four following games.
He has caught only five passes for 43 yards in limited snaps in three games.
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Matthew Jones status for OSU will be in question
The offensive line could be without right guard Matthew Jones, who was hurt late in Maryland and was seen later walking on crutches with his right foot in ice. He was listed as a game-time decision on the availability report.
Enokk Vimahi, a fourth-year junior, is the top backup among interior offensive lineman and filled in for Jones last week, while reserve tackle Josh Fryar could also rotate in.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Miyan Williams to return vs. Michigan for Ohio State football
