News broke earlier this week that C.J. Walker was a potential for getting back at practice in hopes that he could be available for the team against Wisconsin Saturday.
It now appears as though that is a reality.
According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, head coach Chris Holtmann told him that Walker is going to try and play in Madison against a No. 10 ranked Badgers squad Saturday.
Walker has been out of the lineup for the last four games as he deals with some torn ligaments in his hand. He tried to play through the injury that occurred during a scrimmage in November, but it began to affect his play a bit too much and the decision was made to give the injury rest and time to heal.
If Walker can play and be close to himself, it could be a shot in the arm for an Ohio State team that has had to use guys in ball-handling positions they aren’t best suited to perform. Not only has OSU been without Walker, but without backup point guard Jimmy Sotos as well, who injured his shoulder against Rutgers on January 9. It does not appear as though he is ready to quite come back.
Ohio State's CJ Walker (hand) "will try and play today" versus Wisconsin, per Chris Holtmann. Jimmy Sotos (shoulder) is OUT.
Holtmann on Walker: "All based on pain tolerance as he moves forward."
Buckeyes get their starting PG back.
4 PM ET. CBS.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 23, 2021
The Buckeyes won three of four games with Walker out of the lineup, but it would be tough for this team to continue to play at that high of a level without their leader and point guard on the floor.
We’ll see how well it goes today at 4 p.m. EST.
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