Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller underwent surgery on his right shoulder, his throwing shoulder, on Friday. The operation at Ohio State’s medical center was minor but will reduce Miller’s availability for the spring practice schedule in Columbus. Fortunately for Ohio State, this is not expected to be a great concern.
According to a release issued by the university (per The Columbus Dispatch), Miller will be limited in spring activities. It is unknown at this time if he will play in Ohio State’s spring game on April 12, although it appears to be likely he would be able to play the game. Ohio State opens spring practices on March 4.
It was reported earlier this week Miller was to have surgery on Friday. The news was first broken by Eleven Warriors, and the surgery was not expected to keep Miller out of spring altogether. Being limited in the spring seemed like the most likely solution, and there is little reason for Miller to push too much in the spring. He is already a lock to be the starting quarterback for a third full season under Urban Meyer. Miller has proven he is capable of leading the Buckeyes on offense with his arm and his legs. Although the surgery was for a minor concern, any operation done on a quarterback’s throwing arm is going to be a concern down the road.
With Miller being limited, the spring should be a good opportunity for Meyer to evaluate his back-up options under center. Ohio State has four freshman quarterbacks currently on the roster, including J.T. Barrett. Barrett was a four-star recruit in Ohio State’s class of 2013 out of Texas. Barrett did not play last season, but Cardale Jones did. Jones appeared in three games last season and was a three-star recruit in Ohio State’s 2012. Barrett appears to have the higher upside, which could elevate him on the depth chart behind Miller with a strong showing in the spring.