Josh Simmons injury update: All we know about Ohio State star’s status ahead of Week 9

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the premier college football programs this season but will continue playing without left tackle Josh Simmons. He was carted off the field in the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks and coach Ryan Day confirmed that his season is over due to a left knee injury.

Simmons had an 86.7 pass block grade and a 71.7 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He also did not allow a sack or a quarterback hit in 158 pass block snaps throughout the season, protecting quarterback Will Howard's blind side.

Zen Michalski replaced Josh Simmons for the remainder of the Oregon Ducks game and is expected to be the starting left tackle this week against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

When will Josh Simmons be selected in the 2025 NFL draft?

Josh Simmons is expected to enter the 2025 NFL draft and have a lot of eyes on him, being listed at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds. He has been an elite pass-blocking left tackle and has shown the capabilities to defend against top-tier edge rushers in one-on-one situations.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. lists him as the 25th-ranked prospect in the upcoming draft class and that is a fair assessment right now. However, with the knee injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2024 college football season, do not be surprised to see Josh Simmons fall into the early portion of Round 2.

Teams who made the playoffs will make late picks in the NFL draft's first round, and many will be interested in adding offensive line depth to protect the quarterback.

Expect to see a team like the San Francisco 49ers, who have a veteran in Trent Williams or the Miami Dolphins with Terron Armstead be interested in drafting their next cornerstone tackle.

While the severity of the knee injury for Josh Simmons is unknown, he should still be a fringe first-round selection if he declares for the 2025 NFL draft.

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