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How Ohio State is handling Smith-Njigba's hamstring injury (0:35)

Pete talked about Ohio State's caution with the injury. There is a time and a place for this.

9:40 AM ET

According to sources, Ohio State will be without one of its top players against Rutgers.

The staff at Ohio State has been careful with Smith-Njigba's injury because they want to make sure he's healthy for the end of the season.

Smith-Njigba's return is not set in stone. Going into the Michigan State game, he will be evaluated again. After the game with the Spartans, Ohio State has a bye, and there is hope that Smith-Njigba will be ready to play against Iowa and Penn State.

Smith-Njigba caught 95 balls last season for 1,606 yards and nine touchdown and is considered one of the best wide receiver in college football. He caught the ball at an average rate of 16.9 yards per catch.

In the first two games of the season, Smith-Njigba has caught just four balls for 36 yards. He was limited against Notre Dame and in the Ohio State game.

According to Todd McShay, Smith-Njigba is the 11th best player in the draft. Both analysts have him as a second wide receiver.

Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. have become key players for the Ohio State football team.

In four games, Egbuka has 26 catches and Harrison has 21 Each has caught at least one touchdown pass. Stover has carved a bigger niche in the Ohio State offense, catching 12 balls for 186 yards and two touchdown.