Key Ohio State football player gets positive injury update before Illinois clash

So far this season, the Ohio State football team has had far more injury luck than it did last season. Last year, they had two offensive linemen go down with season-ending injuries in the span of just a couple of weeks. Nothing close to that has happened this year for the Buckeyes.

That doesn't mean the Ohio State Buckeyes have been totally injury-free, though. Last week against the Golden Gophers, starting defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. left in the first quarter with an injury, and he did not return to the game. Obviously, they didn't need him to destroy Minnesota.

While Ohio State won that game 42-3, it would have been nice to have Jackson fully healthy when the game ended. Ahead of their road trip to Illinois, Jackson was hoping to be able to play in the game. Jackson was given a positive update ahead of the game against the Fighting Illini.

The Ohio State football team will have Kenyatta Jackson available for Illinois

According to On3's Pete Nakos, Jackson will be ready to go for what should be the second-hardest road game of the year.

Ohio State's defense has been the best in the country, and it hasn't been close. They have yet to give up a red zone touchdown, and only give up 5.5 points on average. Jackson has been a big part of the defensive line, recording two sacks so far in the five games he's played.

Having the team fully healthy heading into one of the toughest games of the year is good for Ohio State. It will be better if they are able to stay healthy at the end of the year when the College Football Playoff starts. Ryan Day should know how to handle the wear and tear that his team will have after last year's run.

Ohio State feels good about its chances to walk out of Illinois with a win. They feel even better about those chances with Jackson on the field.