Ohio State coach Ryan Day revealed Thursday afternoon that he plans to rest starting quarterback C.J. Stroud on Saturday against Akron.
Day said on his weekly radio show that Stroud injured his shoulder in practice and would only play in an emergency situation.
Stroud’s injury will likely mean Jack Miller or Kyle McCord will get the start against Akron. The Buckeyes will remain overwhelming favorites over the 1-2 Zips.
Stroud was the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Week back-to-back weeks before struggling against Tulsa last Saturday.
Day said that Stroud did not throw on Sunday, and that the quarterback was resting on Tuesday and Wednesday, which are significant practice days for Ohio State.
“We wanted him to have some rest going into this week and allow him the opportunity to get stronger and we’re taking it day-by-day,” Day said. “I think the mindset is to use him in an emergency role on Saturday.”
Day said that Stroud’s shoulder injury is not “serious” but added that “some rest would go a long way.”
Day would not name a starter for Saturday’s game. He said it’s possible that both Miller and McCord could both appear on Saturday.
Day said his focus is on putting the quarterback into the game that gives the Buckeyes the best opportunity to win.
Miller, a redshirt freshman, appeared in two games last year, but did not attempt any passes. Miller had a pair of rushes against Nebraska on Oct. 24, 2020.
Neither Miller or McCord have appeared in a game this season.
“This is a great opportunity to get these guys some reps,” Day said. “Over the last three or four weeks there have been improvement in that (quarterback) room.”
Day said that true freshman Quinn Ewers, who eschewed his senior high school season to play for Ohio State, is unavailable.
