Ohio St: Ailing Stroud likely to sit vs. Akron

Quarterback C.J. Stroud will likely be used only in an emergency situation in Ohio State’s game Saturday night against Akron, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day announced Thursday.

True freshman Kyle McCord or redshirt freshman Jack Miller will start.

“We wanted to have some rest going into this week and try to allow him the opportunity to get stronger,” Day said. “We’re taking it day by day. But I think the mindset now would be to use him in an emergency-only role on Saturday.”

Stroud has said that his shoulder has been bothering him but that it was healthy enough for him to play. With No. 10 Ohio State a massive favorite over Akron and Big Ten play ahead, the Buckeyes have decided that it would be prudent to give Stroud’s shoulder extra rest.

“I don’t think C.J.’s situation is serious,” Day said.

Stroud, a redshirt freshman, has completed 62.4% of his passes this season for 963 yards and eight TDs. He has thrown three INTs.

NBA: The San Francisco Chronicle reported that F Andrew Wiggins has decided not to get the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of next season, putting his availability for the Warriors in question. Wiggins, 26, said earlier this year he would only get the vaccine if forced to do so. As of Aug. 20, the city of San Francisco has required proof of vaccination for large indoor events.

NFL: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson didn’t practice because of an illness, but ESPN reported that the former league MVP will play Sunday against the Lions . ... Giants OL Nick Gates remains in a Virginia hospital and has more procedures to come after fracturing his leg last week against Washington. Coach Joe Judge wouldn’t rule out the possibility of it being a career-ending injury, but seemed hopeful that wasn’t going to be the case.

Soccer: Barcelona was held to a 0-0 draw by host Cádiz, extending its La Liga winless streak to three matches.