COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State leading receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a potential Heisman Trophy contender, took a hit Saturday in the first quarter that popped his helmet off. He returned for a series in the second quarter but by the third quarter he was out of the game.
The hit occurred on the first play of Ohio State's drive with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter against Notre Dame, when Smith-Njigba caught a 4-yard pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud. Notre Dame's Cam Hart and Brandon Joseph were credited with the tackle, which ended out of bounds as Smith-Njigba's helmet flew off and he landed awkwardly.
Smith-Njigba didn't immediately return to the game, but was on the exercise bike on the sideline and ran some sprints as he communicated with the team's athletic trainers. ESPN reporter Holly Rowe said on the broadcast Smith-Njigba was talking about the back of his left knee and his hamstring.
Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said after his team's 21-10 victory that he's hopeful Smith-Njigba will be able to return next week.
Smith-Njigba played sparingly before returning to the injury tent in the second half. When he came out, he had a towel around his shoulders and appeared visibly upset. Smith-Njigba led Ohio State with school-record totals of 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards last year. He finished Saturday with two catches for 3 yards.
ESPN's Pete Thamel contributed to this report.