COLUMBUS, Ohio - Foot surgery has ended the spring for Ohio State senior-to-be tight end Jeff Heuerman, one of the Buckeyes top returning players.
Heuerman suffered a fot sprain last week during spring practice. Meyer said on Tuesday that Heuerman had successful surgery and is looking at six weeks "in boot/cast" but should be ready for full activity by June.
Heuerman caught 26 passes for 466 yards and four touchdowns last year, averaging an impressive 17.9 yards per catch. He had nine total catches in his first two years. The 6'6, 250-pound Heuerman figures to be an NFL Draft prospect next spring.
Assuming he can get healthy, missing the remainder of spring shouldn't hurt his development or his role in the offense. Quarterback Braxton Miller is sitting out the spring, too, after having minor shoulder surgery.
"It's kind of a depleted offense right now," Meyer said.
That has led to more opportunities for younger players, including what's almost a totally new offensive line. The Buckeyes practice once more this week and weekend, then next week leading up to the April 12 spring game.
Meyer said junior tight end Nick Vannett "has done very well" this spring and is one of the Buckeyes' most improved players through this point. Over the last two months the Buckeyes also lost likely starting sophomore safety Vonn Bell and redshirt freshman wide receiver/kick returner Jalin Marshall to knee injuries.
Meyer said Marshall "was really making a move" through the team's bowl practices and offseason workouts before he was injured.
