Devin Brown was cleared to return to the field of Ohio State's win over Michigan State on Saturday, but something felt off during warm-ups.
Brown went down on his right ankle, the same one he injured against in a win over Penn State last month. The Buckeyes, who'd go on to beat the Spartans behind a three-touchdown day from Kyle McCord, decided it was best not to play him in the blowout in hopes of keeping the re-aggravation at a mild speed.
According to Buckeyes coach Ryan Day, the injury shouldn't keep out of practice this week in preparation for the team's final home game against Minnesota.
“He’s alright,” Day said Tuesday. “Just a bit of a setback there in warm-ups. But hoping to see him get back on the field this week and survive warm-ups.”
Brown, who competed with McCord for the starting job during fall camp, has played in five games, completing 12 of 22 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Despite losing the starting job, Ohio State built several packages, including one in the red zone, to provide a second element to the offense.
Brown, known for his mobility, has also rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
With Brown sidelined, the Buckeyes turned to freshman Lincoln Kienholz in the fourth quarter to close things out. In three drives, Kienholz went 2 of 3 passing for 18 yards, setting Ohio State in field goal range.
“I just thought he belonged," Day said of Kienholz's performance. "He’s still trying to figure it all out. He got an earful for the first time on the field after one of the plays which was good that he had an answer. I liked it. He came right back with why he did what he did. But you’ll see it’s just the start, but it was just good to see him out there getting some plays under his belt.”
Brown might not play on Saturday when the Golden Gophers (5-5, 4-3) come to visit, but he should be cleared if called upon. The Buckeyes could elect to save him and his health for the season finale when they travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan for what could decide the Big Ten East division.
Kickoff from Ohio Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
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