Jordan Burch Injury Update: Pete Thamel provides an update on the Oregon defenseman's status for Ohio State

Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch is “in flux” as to whether he will play against or not Ohio Statesaid ESPN's Pete Thamel.

After suffering an injury in practice this week, there's a chance the Ducks star won't play. No. 3 Oregon hosts No. 2 Ohio State in a highly anticipated game on Saturday.

At this point, Burch is certainly questionable.

“The biggest story of the day is the status of Oregon’s star defensive end Jordan Burch,” Thamel continued College game day. “I'm told his status for today's game is in flux. He suffered a lower-body injury in practice on Thursday and it is uncertain whether he will play tonight. He's obviously the Ducks' leader in sacks and TFLs. It would be a huge blow if he couldn’t take action against Ohio State’s offense.”

So far this season, Burch has totaled 19 tackles, seven solo tackles, five sacks (a career high), seven tackles for loss, four pass deflections and one fumble recovery.

A member of the 2020 class, Burch was a five-star-plus recruit out of Columbia (S.C.). Hammond Schoolaccording to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that takes into account all four major recruiting media companies. He was ranked No. 1 overall in the state, No. 1 EDGE in the class and No. 11 overall in the class.

“Jordan Burch's status is in flux for the Ohio State game”

When Burch is on the field, Ohio State's offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must know where he is at all times.

“I think his athletic ability is such a great player,” Kelly said when asked Tuesday what makes Burch so special. “He’s listed at 6-5, 290 but plays defense. Most of the guys that big are the center backs. So he's a really sporty guy.

“He had a great game against Michigan State last Friday night and really showed himself. I think he’s really starting to embrace the role that (defensive coordinator) Tosh (Lupoi) and Dan (Lanning) have given him.”

Head coach Ryan Day agrees.

“Burch is very, very good,” Day also said. “He’s very athletic, strong, a good pass rusher, good against the run. … They have some good people at the helm. So it's going to be a big challenge for our offense and for everyone else.

“I think it’s going up every week, so that’s been good, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”