Peach Bowl: Will Ohio State star Miyan Williams play against Georgia?

Atlanta, Georgia - Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson took to the media on Tuesday to reveal the status of the injury of the team's last original running back starter Miyan Williams ahead of the College Football Playoff (CFP)'s semifinal Peach Bowl.

Ohio State's Miyan Williams (l) is confirmed to be nursing an injury that may limit the star running back's playing time in the semifinal Peach Bowl showdown against Georgia.
Ohio State's Miyan Williams (l) is confirmed to be nursing an injury that may limit the star running back's playing time in the semifinal Peach Bowl showdown against Georgia.  © Michael Reaves / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

With injuries looming all season long, healthy running backs have been a sore subject for the Buckeyes' offense this season.

At the top of the year, running back Treveyon Henderson was the presumed lead tailback for the Buckeyes, expected to carry the rushing load.

Unfortunately, Henderson sustained torn ligaments and a fractured foot injury during the season, which caused him to confirm he will no longer be able to play in the CFP.

The blow has thrust running back Miyan Williams into the spotlight.

Now, that spotlight is being challenged for Williams as well, who is also dealing with a leg injury that will potentially hold him back.

Coordinator Wilson said that Williams is still "banged up" and working through the injury, and his playing status for this coming Saturday is uncertain.

Remaining hopeful, Wilson told reporters that "Miyan had a really good go [in practice] yesterday, the most he's had to date," and will have talented running backs ready to play in the case Williams sits out.

Williams was also scheduled to meet with the media on Tuesday, but was replaced by running back teammate Chip Trayanum. Besides his injury, Williams was said to be a little under the weather.

Who can step in to replace Miyan Williams on the field for Ohio State?

Former linebacker turned running back Chip Trayanum (c) can be a key player for the Buckeyes in the absence of star running back Miyan Williams.
Former linebacker turned running back Chip Trayanum (c) can be a key player for the Buckeyes in the absence of star running back Miyan Williams.  © BEN JACKSON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

While the third-year back Williams has been practicing leading up to the Peach Bowl and "looking good" according to his quarterback teammate CJ Stroud, there still may be the possibility that he sits out for all or some of the Peach Bowl showdown, even if he does suit up.

If this is the case, the Buckeyes will need to fill his rushing position with strong and aggressive players.

Luckily, the Buckeyes have the powerhouses in Trayanum and Dallan Hayden.

Hayden, an underrated player this year behind the likes of Henderson and Williams, has been a force to be reckoned with on the Buckeyes' offense all season.

The true freshman had a breakout performance against Maryland after carrying the bulk of the running game, due to the Buckeyes' initial starters nursing injury. Hayden can easily be the next top back to step up in Williams' absence.

Trayanum, like Hayden, can also have a breakout performance in the Peach Bowl starting for the Buckeyes offense. The third-year transfer from Arizona State was originally a linebacker who switched to the running back position amid the Buckeyes' injuries this season.

Trayanum can be a solid rusher for the Buckeyes who can continue drives and keep Ohio State in the red zone.

The Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the Peach Bowl on December 31 at 8 PM EST, airing on ESPN.

Cover photo: BEN JACKSON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

More on College Football: