Julian Sayin “Out Indefinitely” as Buckeyes Injury Woes Add Up

COLUMBUS, OH – While it may be a ‘good news, bad news’ situation for the Buckeyes, that does not necessarily mean that it is an even fifty-fifty split. Case and point here, with the emphasis  seemingly on ‘bad news’.

Despite a grueling week seven victory over fellow top-five ranked Big Ten foe Indiana, the injury woes continued to mount for the scarlet and gray. Already without the likes of running back Ja’Kobi Jackson, offensive lineman Austin Siereveld, and safety Leroy Roker among others, starting quarterback Julian Sayin’s name might top the list. Late in the game against Indiana, the junior gunslinger was hit by a Hoosiers lineman on his throwing arm, knocking him out of the remainder of the game, and now even longer than just a handful of plays. While the exact diagnosis is unknown, head coach Ryan Day is already looking ahead to what is next at quarterback for his team.

“We  are not going to put any timeline on his recovery, but he is out indefinitely” said Day on Tuesday evening. “Based on the injury, we are putting together a plan for him not being available for the regular season, and  then also him not being available for the postseason.”

Often described as a ‘quarterback whisperer” from his days as a quarterback, Day could have his toughest challenge yet, as he looks down the quarterback depth chart to true freshman Luke Fahey and redshirt freshman Tavien St. Clair. Through the first seven weeks of the season,  Fahey has been tabbed as the number two option behind Sayin, appearing in three games. His numbers are limited in those appearances, completing 9 of 13 passes for 203 yards while tossing a pair of touchdowns and interceptions as well.

Initially considered as the backup coming into the season, St. Clair has seemingly slid down the depth chart, appearing in the blowout victories over Ball State and Kent State earlier this season.  The Ohio native has completed five of seven passes this year with a touchdown and interception to show for it.

The silver lining in all this is that the bye week comes at a pretty good time for the Buckeyes, as they look to navigate the troubling waters before a difficult stretch to end the regular season. Five games remain in the regular season, beginning with a trip to USC on Halloween evening on WHIZ.