When Ohio State University released its latest injury report, the headline was simple: backup slot receiver Bryson Rodgers was listed as questionable and ultimately didn’t dress for the game. The Buckeyes are set to host the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. on NBC, marking what many expect to be the final home night game of the 2025 season. While Rodgers’ status drew the most clicks, the report also confirmed that every other major contributor is cleared to play, giving Coach Ryan Day a deep‑two roster for what is only Ohio State’s second Big Ten contest.
Injury Report Overview
The official list names eleven players as out. Alongside Rodgers, the out list includes cornerback Brenten "Inky" Jones, linebacker Eli Lee, quarterback Mason Maggs, defensive tackles Eric Mensah and Jason Moore, running back Anthony "Turbo" Rogers, defensive tackle Maxwell Roy, safety Deshawn Stewart, defensive tackle Ahmed Tounkara, and wide receiver Preston Wolfe. Most of those are depth pieces, but the absence of a freshman running back and two interior defensive linemen could force subtle adjustments.
- Rodgers – backup slot receiver, 2 catches for 22 yards this season.
- Brandon Inniss – starter at slot and primary punt returner.
- Anthony "Turbo" Rogers – freshman RB marked as out for the second time this year.
- Eric Mensah & Jason Moore – DTs now listed as unavailable.
Here’s the thing: Rodgers has seen limited snaps since arriving on campus, but his role as a punt returner surfaced in Week 2 when a long return against Grambling State was called back after a fair‑catch signal. That play, though erased, showed he can contribute on special teams when needed.
Key Players on the Line
With Rodgers sidelined, the slot receiver duties fall squarely on Brandon Inniss. He has already taken over punt return responsibilities and will likely see an expanded role in the passing game. The starting wide receivers – senior Isaac<\/span>? actually not mentioned – remain healthy, so the Buckeyes won’t feel a drop‑off in primary targets.
In the backfield, the trio of Bo Jackson, CJ Donaldson and James Peoples continues to shoulder the workload. Should Ohio State build a sizable lead, freshman Isaiah West is slated as the fourth option, ready to step in behind them.
The defensive front will miss Mensah and Moore, but that’s a manageable dip. Defensive tackle Maxwell Roy and safety Deshawn Stewart remain active, and the Buckeyes have a rotation of interior linemen that can absorb the loss.
Depth Concerns and Rotations
Freshman RB Anthony "Turbo" Rogers has been an on‑and‑off presence all season. After missing the first three games, he was listed as healthy for the Washington matchup, only to reappear on the out list for Minnesota. His sporadic availability means Ohio State can’t count on a surprise spark from the freshman column this week.
That said, the Buckeyes have a safety net. With the primary rotation of Jackson, Donaldson, and Peoples covering the bulk of snaps, the coaching staff can afford to limit their exposure to preserve health for the grueling Big Ten schedule ahead.
Implications for the Big Ten Race
The game against the Golden Gophers is more than a Thursday night showdown; it’s a litmus test for Ohio State’s depth before conference play truly ramps up. A win would improve their Big Ten record to 2‑0 and keep them in the early‑season conversation for the East Division crown.
But the real twist is how the team adapts without Rodgers. If Inniss can capably handle the slot and the punt return unit, the Buckeyes will demonstrate that their special‑teams and secondary receiving corps are not single‑player dependent. That resilience could be a decisive factor when they face depth‑testing powerhouses like Michigan and Penn State later this year.
Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Season
Coach Day’s play‑calling will likely stay aggressive, exploiting the talent on the outside while trusting the interior defense to hold the line even with two DTs out. The upcoming schedule piles on marquee matchups – a road test at Michigan State, a home clash with Michigan, and the looming ‘Game of the Century’ against Penn State – so today’s injury report is a preview of the roster management challenges that lie ahead.
In short, Ohio State enters Saturday with most of its stars ready, a solid backup slot receiver in Inniss, and a defensive line that can weather a couple of missing pieces. The key question: will the Buckeyes’ depth hold up, or will the injuries expose a vulnerability that rivals can exploit?
Frequently Asked Questions
How might Bryson Rodgers' absence affect Ohio State's offense?
Rodgers is a backup slot receiver who also contributes on punt returns. Without him, the Buckeyes will rely on starter Brandon Inniss for both roles. The impact is likely minimal on the core passing attack but could limit special‑teams flexibility.
Which players are listed as out for the Minnesota game?
The out list includes cornerback Brenten "Inky" Jones, linebacker Eli Lee, quarterback Mason Maggs, defensive tackles Eric Mensah and Jason Moore, wide receiver Bryson Rodgers, running back Anthony "Turbo" Rogers, defensive tackle Maxwell Roy, safety Deshawn Stewart, defensive tackle Ahmed Tounkara, and wide receiver Preston Wolfe.
What is Ohio State's likely running back rotation against Minnesota?
With Turbo Rogers out, the primary rotation stays with senior backs Bo Jackson, CJ Donaldson, and James Peoples. Freshman Isaiah West sits as the fourth option should the game get out of hand.
How could the injury report influence Ohio State's Big Ten standing?
If Ohio State sacks Minnesota, they improve to 2‑0 in conference play, keeping them in early contention for the East Division lead. Depth concerns, however, could be exploited by stronger opponents later in the season.
What are the expectations for special‑teams performance without Rodgers?
Brandon Inniss will handle punt returns, a role he has already filled this year. While losing a backup returner reduces redundancy, the unit should remain solid as long as the coverage team stays disciplined.