Buckeyes’ projected starting RB undergoes wrist surgery

The bad news is that the presumptive heir apparent to Carlos Hyde has reportedly undergone surgery. The good news is that it’s not expected to cost him much practice time, let alone any games.

Citing a source close to the situation, the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Ezekiel Elliott underwent surgery on an injured wrist Saturday morning. The running back suffered a fracture in his wrist during practice at some point this past week, with a pin being inserted to help the healing process.

Despite that, Elliot is expected be back participating in practice this coming Thursday.

The school has yet to address any injury Elliott may have incurred, for what it’s worth.

Last season as a true freshman, Elliott rushed for 262 yards -- averaging 8.7 yards per carry -- and a pair of touchdowns. With the departures of Hyde and Jordan Hall, the 6-0, 225-pound Elliott, a four-star member of OSU’s 2013 recruiting class, is expected to take over as the Buckeyes’ lead back.

UPDATED 1:11 p.m. ET: Ohio State released the following statement addressing Elliott’s health.

Sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliott had surgery on his left wrist this morning at the OSU Medical Center East for a minor injury incurred at practice on Friday. Elliott, from St. Louis, Mo., and Burroughs High School, rejoined the team in time for lunch today. He will continue to attend practice and work on conditioning with a full return to the fields expected around the middle of next week.