Jay Timmons was listed as questionable on Ohio State’s initial availability report submitted to the Big Ten for its game at Iowa on Oct. 3.
Timmons, a freshman who has been the Buckeyes’ starting nickel back this season, left with an unspecified injury during the second half of last week’s win over Illinois.
He emerged in September as one of the key pieces for the Buckeyes’ retooled defense, making nine tackles and breaking up four passes. Timmons also forced and recovered a fumble on the first play from scrimmage at Texas.
If Timmons is unable to return against the Hawkeyes, coach Ryan Day mentioned as cornerbacks Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Jordan Thomas as other options to take over for him in the slot.
The statuses of starting right tackle Phillip
Daniels and tight end Bennett Christian are also uncertain this week. They were both listed as questionable.
Daniels has been sidelined since the loss at Texas, prompting the Buckeyes to reconfigure the right side of the offensive line. Austin Siereveld has started the last two games at right tackle with Gabe VanSickle at right guard. Christian was out last week against Illinois. The conference’s availability report does not specify the nature of the injuries.
The Buckeyes could see the return of starting defensive end Zion Grady, who was left off the report after missing the last two games.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow him on @joeyrkaufman on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football nickel back Jay Timmons questionable for game at Iowa
