It was early during Friday’s practice when Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott broke his wrist. He played through it anyway.
“I hurt it on a jump ball. I went up to catch a ball and I ended up landing on it funny,” he said Sunday during the team’s annual Media Day.
“It happened pretty early in practice, I ended up finishing practice with it and then I couldn’t really squeeze my hand, it started swelling up. So I got X-rays.”
Elliot had wrist surgery Saturday morning to repair the damage and is expected to rejoin fall camp Thursday in a non-contact manner.
“I was thinking hopefully it was something I could play with,” he said.
You can add that to the latest chapter in sophomore’s burgeoning career in Columbus.
Elliott is projected to be the Buckeyes’ starting running back when it opens the season against Navy Aug. 30 in Baltimore. While head coach Urban Meyer won’t name a starter yet, he said Elliott is at the top of his pecking order ahead of Rod Smith, Curtis Samuel and Bri’onte Dunn.
It’s understandable, then, as to why Elliott played through the pain Friday. A chance at becoming Ohio State’s feature running back and the guy to fill the massive shoes of Carlos Hyde is within arms reach.
“It’s definitely frustrating but I’m just happy that I can get back so fast,” he said. “It could’ve been a lot worse.”
The Buckeyes, of course, are thankful it wasn’t. They open the season against Navy Aug. 30 in Baltimore.
