Chris "Beanie" Wells wasn't supposed to have a season like this. After a breakout season a year ago and the return of a veteran offensive line, this was supposed to be his time to restore glory to the Ohio State backfield.
But on Aug. 30, the Buckeyes' toughest athlete went down on the flukiest of plays. Four weeks later, the Buckeyes are still searching for answers to a stalled-out offense.
All that should change in four days.
"Who knows what will happen next week, but we're getting Beanie back," kicker A.J. Trapasso said Saturday after the Buckeyes' 28-10 win over Troy.
Lost in the shadow of Ohio State's quarterback controversy the past two weeks was the improving condition of the Buckeyes' star tailback. Because he has been withheld from the media since his injury, little has been said on his current progress.
The Akron native's condition has fluctuated from one extreme to the other the past two weeks, but based on Trapasso's comments and the amount of rest taken since suffering the injury, one ought to believe his return is right around the corner.
Then again, Trapasso was quick to eat his words after divulging the rather sensitive material.
Media Credit: Kelly Wright/The Lantern
Chris Wells has remained on the bench since he injured his foot Aug. 30."It looks like he's coming back," Trapasso went on to say. "I don't know his exact health status, but it looks like he's doing well."
Regardless of Trapasso's statement, a backfield featuring freshman sensation Terrelle Pryor and the resurgence of Wells may be just what the offense needs to kick-start its struggling offense.
"Chris Wells loves to play the game," Jim Tressel said. "When you're a big back like he is, you're going to get whacked around a lot and your wheels have a big load on them. He's a 240-pound load on those feet."
It's that punishing load that has been missing from Ohio State's offense since Wells went down in week one. In 12 trips to the red zone, the Buckeyes have scored just five touchdowns during his absence. His return would signal one of the greatest dual threats in the backfield in quite some time.
But first he must regain the steps lost to a jammed foot. After playing through much of last season with an injured ankle, Wells has been unable to ignore the nagging foot injury after planting awkwardly against the Penguins.
And though Wells' Heisman chances may have faded along with the Buckeyes' national title hopes, the opportunity for three-straight Big Ten titles remains alive and Wells has his sights set on rejuvenating the "lost" season.
"I'm not completely sure if he is going to play this weekend, but I know if he gets the green light, he's going to go," senior wideout Brian Robiskie said. "He's a leader on the team, and if he's in uniform, he will definitely be a motivator for us."
Matt Gottfried can be reached at gottfried.35@osu.edu.
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