Availability Report: Buckeyes Without Will Kacmarek, Zen Michalski Against Purdue

The Buckeyes will be without both of tight end Will Kacmarek and left tackle Zen Michalski against Purdue.

Kacmarek is still dealing with an injury that he suffered on his first-quarter catch against Oregon on Oct. 12, but Ryan Day said on Wednesday that he is healing faster than expected and should be back soon.

Michalski suffered an injury in the fourth quarter of the 21-17 win over Nebraska, the first game he started on the left side of the line to replace Josh Simmons, who is out for the season with a leg injury.

Even if Michalski were able to return against the Boilermakers, Day said on Tuesday that the Buckeyes would keep the five offensive linemen they had on the field for the Penn State game, with Donovan Jackson sliding to left tackle and last year’s center Carson Hinzman taking Jackson’s spot at left guard.

The offensive line had an impressive performance against a very strong Penn State defensive line last week with the new configuration.

Also out for the game are tight end Jace Middleton, cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt and running back TC Caffey, who is out for the season.

Here is the full availability report:

Questionable

• None

Out

• TE Will Kacmarek
• OL Zen Michalski
• CB Calvin Simpson-Hunt
• TE Jace Middleton
• OT Josh Simmons (season)
• RB TC Caffey (season)