Williams, coming back from a left knee injury, is expected to be ready for Miami in week two.
Quick notes from Jim Tressel's news conference today:
• Tressel opened by mentioning the e-mails he has been receiving from fans about the future scheduling of the Ohio State-Michigan game. He basically said he was going to support what's best for the league while saying he wouldn't publicly disagree with what is decided. It was easy to read between the lines -- he doesn't like the idea of Ohio State and Michigan moving away from the end of the regular season, but he's not going to rock the boat.
• Defensive end Nathan Williams, who hurt his left knee 16 days ago, is out for Thursday's opener with Marshall. Solomon Thomas will replace him in the starting lineup, but Tressel said he expected Williams will be ready for Miami. Cornerback Chimdi Chekwa has also been limited in practice so far this week and his status for Thursday hasn't been decided.
• Tressel said he would suggest [I'll take that as it's going to happen] that the punt returners Thursday should be Jordan Hall and freshman Corey "Philly" Brown, with Hall and Jaamal Berry as the kick returners. That's a move away from veterans like DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher, Dan Herron and Brandon Saine. I like it - it's a chance to get some exciting young guys who otherwise may not get much playing time on the field.
• Tressel and the players emphasized how little they know about what Marshall will do since the Thundering Herd has a new coaching staff this season.
• Tressel said C.J. Barnett beating out Orhian Johnson for a starting safety spot was a matter of Johnson missing about 12 practices with a leg injury and Barnett taking advantage of the opportunity. Johnson is practicing fully now, and Tressel said that battle will continue.
Jim Tressel on Ohio State-Michigan