OSU running back could return Saturday

9/10/2012
BY DAVID BRIGGS
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
Ohio State running back Jordan Hall, seen here in a 2011 photo, could return this week after suffering an MCL injury in last week's game against Central Florida.
Ohio State running back Jordan Hall, seen here in a 2011 photo, could return this week after suffering an MCL injury in last week's game against Central Florida.

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State’s depleted group of running backs could gain a key reinforcement this week.

Coach Urban Meyer said today “there’s a chance” Jordan Hall will play Saturday against California after the senior back was medically cleared over the weekend. The Buckeyes’ projected starter in the preseason is recovering from a torn tendon in his foot.

"He's going to run today, and then I'll know more,” Meyer said.

More certain is the status of Carlos Hyde, who was ruled out after suffering a strained MCL in OSU’s win Saturday over Central Florida. If Hall is limited or can’t play, the Buckeyes will rely on their third- and fourth-string running backs to lessen the rushing load of sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller. Freshman Bri’onte Dunn is listed as the starter and sophomore Rod Smith as the top backup.