Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba held out of warmups, expected to be out vs Arkansas State

As Ohio State held its final rounds of pregame warmups ahead of Saturday’s game against Arkansas State, star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba did not participate.

It was an indication that Smith-Njigba, who was listed as a game-time decision on the Buckeyes' pregame availability report, was expected to be sidelined for the non-conference contest. He wore a gray sweatsuit while watching the warmups.

He arrived at Ohio Stadium earlier in the morning, lightly jogging and stretching with fellow receiver Julian Fleming, before the rest of the team arrived from the Skull Session at St. John Arena. But neither Smith-Njigba and Fleming reconvened with the rest of their teammates for other periods of warmups.

Smith-Njigba was injured in the Buckeyes’ season-opening win over Notre Dame last week, suffering an apparent hamstring injury when he was tackled following a catch in the first quarter. It prompted him to miss most of the game.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba:Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba wants to be best in college football history | Rob Oller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba:Jaxon Smith-Njigba opens up about the challenges of college life

Coach Ryan Day expressed hope earlier this week that Smith-Njigba might be able to return for this non-conference game, but stressed Tuesday that he would not suit up against the Red Wolves unless he was at full strength.

“We will not bring him back if there’s any risk of him getting hurt for the future,” Day said. “We’ll make sure he’s 100%.”

It seemed Smith-Njigba was making some progress in his recovery by Wednesday night when he left practice in his helmet and pads. He also caught passes on a JUGS machine on the indoor field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

But the extent to which he participated in the practice was unclear.

Want to keep up with Ohio State? Don't miss a single Buckeyes story. Get a great deal by subscribing to the Dispatch today at www.dispatch.com/subscribenow/.

Smith-Njigba, a fixture in the slot and a favorite target for quarterback C.J. Stroud, was the Buckeyes' leading-receiver last fall, setting single-season school records with 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards.

His role in the passing game was especially prominent entering this season following the departures of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson to the NFL.

Without Smith-Njigba against Notre Dame, Emeka Egbuka shouldered a larger role against Notre Dame. Moving between inside and outside receiver, he caught nine passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.

The Buckeyes’ receiving corps is a bit banged up to start the season.

Ohio State receivers: 'To be the best room in America.' New wave of Buckeye receivers aiming high

C.J. StroudAmid loss and family heartbreak, Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud matures into model leader

Along with this week’s uncertainty over Smith-Njigba’s availability, Fleming is also expected to be sidelined after being listed as a game-time decision and missing the opening game. Kamryn Babb is also unavailable.

Babb, who did not appear against Notre Dame, reaggravated an injured left knee in preseason training camp.

Cornerback Jordan Hancock was also listed as unavailable after missing the opener.

Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman

Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jaxon Smith-Njigba a game-time decision in OSU vs. Arkansas State