Ohio State football loses running back for the season

The Ohio State football program is known for its depth on the offensive side of the ball, specifically at the skill positions. We know how ridiculous the wide receiver room is, but the running back room is pretty deep too. That depth will be tested this season now.

That’s because the Buckeyes will likely be without Evan Pryor for the entire 2022 season due to a knee injury suffered on Monday. According to Rivals’ Austin Ward, it is a torn patellar tendon that will keep Pryor out for the season. That leaves the Buckeyes with just three scholarship backs that are healthy.

Pryor showed some good things as a freshman when he was able to touch the ball. Last season, he had 21 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown. He was the third back last year and was expected to be again this year behind TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams.

Now, it will be true freshman Dallan Hayden who is the third back. He still shouldn’t see many carries as Henderson is a workhorse and Williams is a great change of pace back. Both of those guys should be able to carry the load all season without too much trouble.

As for Pryor, he will now redshirt after missing the season. He will have to work to come back from the injury even stronger next year. Two seasons from now is when he is going to have the best chance to start with both Henderson and Williams gone, so he has some time to get healthy.

This is a blow for the Ohio State football team. Now they really can’t afford another injury in the running back room. If that does happen, things get dangerously thin at that position. Hopefully, both Henderson and Williams can keep themselves healthy all year.