Ohio State QB Braxton Miller out for season, plans to return next season
Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller will miss the 2014 season after reinjuring his shoulder, the school announced on Tuesday. The Heisman candidate said he intends to return to Columbus next season to finish out his last year of eligibility.
"I love Ohio State and Buckeye nation, and my goal is to come back from this injury stronger and better than ever," Miller said in a statement. "I am on course to graduate in December and I want to attend graduate school, and then return to lead the Buckeyes next season. In the meantime, I want to give all the support I can to my coaches and teammates as they chase a championship this season."
CBSSports.com and FoxSports.com reported Miller had an MRI on Tuesday to determine his status after The Columbus Dispatch reported the reigning Big Ten offensive player of the year reinjured his right throwing shoulder at practice on Monday while attempting a short pass. He was not hit on the play. The school said the latest injury will require surgery and Sports Ilustrated reported Miller has a torn labrum.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Braxton and his family," Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said in a statement. "This is an unfortunate injury to a young man who means so much to this program and to Buckeye nation."
Miller had surgery on the shoulder in February after injuring it on the first drive of Ohio State's Orange Bowl loss to Clemson. He has complained of soreness during preseason camp.
Redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett is Miller's top backup and likely be the starter when the Buckeyes open the season on Aug. 30 against Navy at Baltimore. Coach Urban Meyer said Saturday that redshirt sophomore Cardale Jones is the third-team quarterback.
Miller holds nine Ohio State records and was within distance of breaking eight others. A two-time Big Ten MVP, he also was on pace to become just the ninth player in Division I history to rush for 40 touchdowns and pass for 40 touchdowns in a career.
PredictionMachine.com has run a simulation analysis for USA TODAY Sports that shows the potential impact of a Miller injury on the Buckeyes' fortunes.
Contributing: The Associated Press.