DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State running back Chris Wells told reporters after the Northwestern game last week that he's still affected by the ankle sprain that plagued him during the preseason, but coach Jim Tressel said the sophomore will just have to play with pain.

"I'm sure if you talk to Archie Griffin or Eddie George or any of those guys that carried the ball a lot, they'd tell you that it's probably Wednesday or so before they're really feeling good (after a game)," Tressel said. "They crank it up on Saturday, and then they're back in the tub until Wednesday. That's the nature (of the position).

"You get hit pretty good when you're a running back. I'm hoping, like any great running back, that Chris is a warrior."

Wells limped off after one carry in the second half against the Wildcats. Although he said the injury isn't serious, he admitted it still affects him when he cuts.

The Buckeyes' depth at running back has suffered with the absence of freshman Brandon Saine, who had arthroscopic knee surgery to repair torn cartilage Friday. He's second on the team in rushing despite missing a game and was sharing back-up duties with junior Maurice Wells before his injury.

Asked about the prognosis for Saine, Tressel said: "We were told (Tuesday) morning in the medical report that he was probably 50-50 for Purdue (on Oct. 6) and virtually certain for the following week."

Input about redshirts

The Buckeyes currently are redshirting six of their 15 freshmen, and Tressel said players sometimes have input over whether to sit out a full year and save it for later.

"I've had guys say, 'Coach, I can't survive in life without playing — even if I only get to run down on kickoff every three games.' And a guy will take his redshirt off and go do that. And then he comes in my office three years later and says, 'I can't believe you let me do that.' Well, I don't want you to take your life.

"So, we have a lot of discussions with them."

Bauserman moves up

Antonio Henton's suspension means freshman walk-on Joe Bauserman becomes the third-string quarterback and will travel with the team to Minnesota this weekend.

Bauserman, a Tallahassee, Fla., native, initially committed to the Buckeyes in 2004 but pursued a pro baseball career for three years.

"I think Joe's really coming along," Tressel said. "He hadn't thrown a football for three years, and the first week or so was a little different. He didn't look like a guy who threw a 90-something (mph) fastball. Once he got those experiences back there, he showed great pop in his arm."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.