After catching a quick flat route from Kyle McCord, Emeka Egbuka sprinted toward the sideline. When he was tackled, the defender rolled up on him. After attempting to get up and hobble to the sideline, he went to the ground, and trainers came to the field. What does this mean for the future NFL Draft prospect and the Ohio State offense?
Emeka Egbuka Injury Update
Egbuka picked up the first down on the throw and catch but appeared to sustain a lower-body injury that could hamper the Buckeyes’ offense. At the time of publishing, Egbuka is out of the medical tent, and Jenny Taft, the sideline reporter for the game, announced that he is questionable with a right knee contusion.
Update 5:05 p.m.:Â Ryan Day said Egbuka is still being evaluated, but that he does not believe it is a major injury.
What This Means for the Ohio State Offense
Egbuka may be overshadowed by Marvin Harrison Jr., but Egbuka is one of the best wide receivers in the country and one of the top 2024 NFL Draft prospects.
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He’s an outstanding route runner and is more than explosive enough to thrive on the outside at the next level despite spending much of his time playing from the slot at Ohio State.
There have been times that Harrison has been dinged up or flat-out injured. In those contests, Egbuka has come up huge in his absence. Harrison must do the same in this close game against Maryland. And shortly after Egbuka’s injury, on a 3rd-and-33, Harrison tracked a deep sideline pass over his shoulder and toe-tapped for a first down.
They would later take a 10-point lead on a Cade Stover touchdown reception.
The Ohio State passing attack will miss his ability to finish catches in adverse conditions. His 6’0″, 205-pound frame is sturdy. He converts at the catch point at a high level and is a good post-catch runner. The no-doubt first-rounder will be missed if he’s forced to miss significant time with the injury.
