Ohio State QB Braxton Miller out for entire 2014 season with torn labrum
Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller will miss the 2014 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. The school confirmed the injury on Tuesday evening.
Miller tore the labrum in a non-contact drill at practice on Monday night while attempting to throw a pass seven yards. He had received limited competitive reps in camp -- fewer than 20, the source said -- because the coaching staff wanted to ease him back into play. Miller originally injured the shoulder on the first possession of Ohio State’s 40-35 loss to Clemson in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 3. Miller missed spring practice after having surgery in February.
“He didn’t even get hit,” the source said. “He threw and it’s just a freakish thing. Everyone is scratching their head on how it happened.”
Miller passed for 2,094 with 24 touchdowns and rushed for 1,068 yards with 12 scores as a junior in 2013. He missed the better part of three games with a sprained left knee, but he returned on Sept. 28 to lead the Buckeyes to a 12-0 regular season. Ohio State lost to Michigan State 34-24 in the Big Ten title game before falling to Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Braxton and his family,” Ohio State 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 stated his desire to come back and lead the team in 2015.
“My goal is to come back from this injury stronger and better than ever,” he said in the 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.”
Miller’s injury leaves redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett as the favorite to start under center for the Buckeyes this season. The Wichita Falls, Texas, native has received a majority of the live, competitive reps in practice. Sophomore Cardale Jones, previously the third-string quarterback, will likely ascend into the backup role.
Ohio State will open the season at Navy on Aug. 30.
STAFF: Check out SI's preseason Top 25 college football rankings
date | opponent |
Aug. 30 | at Navy |
Sept. 6 | Virginia Tech |
Sept. 13 | Kent State |
Sept. 27 | Cincinnati |
Oct. 4 | at Maryland |
Oct. 18 | Rutgers |
Oct. 25 | at Penn State |
Nov. 1 | Illinois |
Nov. 8 | at Michigan State |
Nov. 15 | at Minnesota |
Nov. 22 | Indiana |
Nov. 29 | Michigan |
