Ohio State QB Braxton Miller out for the season, vows to come back next year
Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller will miss the 2014 season after reinjuring his surgically repaired right shoulder, the school announced in a statement.
Sports Illustrated cited sources saying Miller suffered a torn labrum, however, the university did not cite the specific injury. It did say Miller would need surgery to repair his latest injury.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Braxton and his family,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said. “This is an unfortunate injury to a young man who means so much to this program and to Buckeye nation.”
Miller suffered the injury during the closed afternoon session of Monday’s practice. Rivals' BuckeyeGrove.com confirmed Miller was making a routine throw when he dislocated his shoulder. He had an MRI and met with doctors on Tuesday.
Miller, who has a redshirt season available, said in a statement he plans to rehab his shoulder and come back next season.
“I love Ohio State and Buckeye nation, and my goal is to come back from this injury stronger and better than ever,” Miller said in the university statement. “I am on course to graduate in December and I want to attend graduate school, and then return to lead the Buckeyes next season. In the meantime, I want to give all the support I can to my coaches and teammates as they chase a championship this season.”
Miller originally injured his throwing shoulder during the Orange Bowl against Clemson. He had surgery in late February and missed all of spring football. He was cleared to throw in July, but did so very gingerly. He was to be used sparingly during fall camp while working through soreness issues.
Miller met with the media for the first time following Monday’s morning practice and said that although he was sore, he felt like everything in his shoulder was fine.
"I'm doing fine," said Miller, who sparingly threw during the morning session. "It's just a progression in my shoulder, just a precaution. I don't want to overdo it before the first game and then I've got to sit out the first game because my muscle is too sore back in the back. It's part of the plan. We just talk about it every day and I do exercises to get the strength back up. I'll be good."
Miller was scheduled to throw more during the afternoon session.
ESPN sports business reporter Darren Rovell noted Tuesday morning that Miller does have a $1 million insurance policy that safeguards his financial future should he not be able to play again. The premium was paid for by Ohio State.
The Buckeyes now will turn to redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett as the starter. Barrett moved ahead of sophomore Cardale Jones on the depth chart last week. Barrett has no collegiate game experience and Jones has played in just three games, completing one pass for three yards.
For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.
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