Buckeyes expect Arnette to return vs. Illinois

Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette, right, deflects the ball away from Nebraska receiver Jordan Westerkamp during a 2016 game. Arnette was hurt last week, but likely will play, Urban Meyer said.

COLUMBUS – Ohio State lost Damon Arnette to injury against Michigan State, but the Buckeyes expect him back for this week’s game against Illinois.

Arnette, a starter at cornerback, left Ohio State’s 48-3 victory against the Spartans with what was diagnosed as a deep thigh bruise. Arnette did not return to the game.

Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette, right, deflects the ball away from Nebraska receiver Jordan Westerkamp during a 2016 game. Arnette was hurt last week, but likely will play, Urban Meyer said.

On Monday, however, Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer said Arnette is probable this week to play in OSU’s final regular-season home game.

Despite the injury, Ohio State named the redshirt sophomore one of its defensive player of the game, during which he intercepted Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke.

Arnette has played in every game for Ohio State during the past two seasons, which includes nine starts this year. He has six pass-breakups, two interceptions, and 32 total tackles in 2017.

Contact Nicholas Piotrowicz at npiotrowicz@theblade.com, 419-724-6110 or on Twitter @NickPiotrowicz