What happened to Zen Michalski? Exploring Ohio State LT’s exit from Nebraska game
The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten Conference) may have suffered a setback in their latest game. The Buckeyes faced the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3, 2-3) in Week 9 at home. Although they won 21-17 against their conference rivals, Ohio State may have lost left tackle Zen Michalski to a left leg injury.
Michalski started as the left tackle because Josh Simmons suffered a knee injury in the Buckeyes' 32-31 loss against the Oregon Ducks (7-0, 4-0) in Week 7.
While the injury was unfortunate, the Ohio State game against Nebraska was Michalski's opportunity to showcase his talents and help his team win. However, he got hurt in the fourth quarter and had to be helped off the field.
Ohio State beat writer Carolina Rice was at the game and confirmed that Michalski needed assistance because he couldn't put weight on his leg on X.
"Zen Michalski is down on the field. He is being helped off by trainers barely putting any weight on his left leg," Rice wrote.
She also provided a photo of the left tackle on crutches after coming out of the medical tent.
The Buckeyes were able to make adjustments after Michalski's injury, with Donovan Jackson taking over the position.
Ryan Day speaks after Zen Michalski's injury
After the game, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day spoke to the media and briefly addressed who would take over the left tackle position.
He didn't have an update on Michalski's injury status but shared he had a plan for Jackson to replace him in case of an emergency.
"We're going to have to talk about it and figure it out," Day said. "We knew if that happened in a game, that was our answer and solution(Jackson as left tackle) to get out of the game. Now, we're going to have to go back and figure out what's next."
Day will have to figure out what's next for his left tackle position ahead of Week 10. Ohio State will face the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0, 3-0) next Saturday.