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While Ohio State’s starting offensive and defensive units will be at full strength on Saturday against Michigan State, the Buckeyes will be missing a key piece of their special teams unit after freshman kick returner Emeka Egbuka was ruled out against the Spartans.

Egbuka – who has 13 returns on the season for 417 yards, including a 67-yarder against Maryland – is among the 15 players listed on the program’s pregame status report. That list also includes senior linebacker Palaie Gaoteote , who played just 11 defensive snaps in last week’s win over Purdue.

The majority of the unavailable players are those who suffered long-term or season-ending injuries and have been listed on previous status reports. That said, the full list is as follows:

  • Junior wide receiver Kamryn Babb (out for season)
  • Redshirt sophomore running back Marcus Crowley (long-term injury)
  • Freshman safety Jantzen Dunn (long-term injury)
  • Freshman wide receiver Emeka Egbuka
  • Senior defensive end Tyler Friday (out for season)
  • Senior linebacker Palaie Gaoteote
  • Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Darrion Henry-Young
  • Redshirt junior safety Marcus Hooker
  • Freshman cornerback Jakailin Johnson
  • Freshman safety Jaylen Johnson (out for season)
  • Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Jaden McKenzie
  • Redshirt freshman linebacker Mitchell Melton
  • Junior offensive lineman Harry Miller (out for season)
  • Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Noah Potter (eye surgery)
  • Senior safety Josh Proctor (out for season)

Additionally, senior cornerback Sevyn Banks has been listed as a game-time decision. Kickoff against the Spartans is set for 12 p.m. on ABC.

Be sure to check out our new message boards, Buckeye Forums. We'd love to have you part of the conversation during the season.

This article first appeared on FanNation Buckeyes Now and was syndicated with permission.

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