An underrated aspect of Ohio State's development in the last decade or so has been the offensive linemen. They have produced some really good offensive linemen in the last few years. While that has slowed a bit in the last couple of years, they still have a track record of putting out some good players.
Paris Johnson Jr. is the last five-star offensive lineman recruit that the Buckeyes have landed. He was taken sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for him, he will no longer play football this season after suffering an injury while playing for the Cardinals.
Paris Johnson Jr. suffers a season-ending injury
According to Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, Johnson Jr. has suffered a torn bicep that will keep him out for the rest of the year. That's a big blow for a Cardinals team that has been surprising people with how well they have played in the first four games of the season.
Johnson Jr. had been playing really well while protecting Jacoby Brissett's blindside. He was a big reason why Arizona had been playing better football than expected. To this point in the season, they are just 1-3, but they have been giving teams fits in those three losses.
Without Johnson Jr. in the lineup, the Cardinals are going to have a tough time moving the ball on offense. They have a solid rookie running back, so they are going to need to lean on him all season long. This team isn't good, but they are building towards having a better future.
The good news is that it looks like Johnson Jr. will be back for the start of next season. What makes things worse is that Johnson Jr. was hurt on the final drive of the game, after it was already decided. He's not the only former Buckeye offensive lineman to suffer a season-ending injury.
Donovan Jackson suffers season-ending injury
Former Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson also suffered a season-ending injury this week. He suffered a torn meniscus, which will require surgery. He plays for a much better team in the Minnesota Vikings after he was drafted 24th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jackson showed off his versatility when he was with the Buckeyes. He played both left guard and left tackle for the team during the 2024 national championship run. He might have been a better left tackle than a guard for Ohio State, although he is playing guard in the NFL.
Minnesota is 4-0 so far this season despite having one of the worst offenses in the NFL. The offense will only get worse now that Jackson is hurt. Without him, the left side of the offensive line looks like a mess for the Vikings. It's a shame for Jackson, as he was having a good year.
The hope is that both of these former Ohio State football players can return stronger next season and help their teams become much better. Both of these guys are well-liked by Buckeye fans, and it's a shame they will miss the rest of the NFL season.
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