Ohio State’s Baron Browning won’t play against Northwestern, Thayer Munford game-time decision|The BattleGround|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Nicholas Petit-Frere could get his first start for OSU.

As the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the unusual Friday night game in Evanston, Ill. against the Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State released their depth chart and availability report a day earlier than normal on Thursday morning.

The report showed that Buckeye middle linebacker Baron Browning will miss the rematch of the 2018 Big Ten Championship game; as is standard operating procedure, no reason for the unavailability was provided.

While Tuf Borland has still been considered the starter at the Mike position, Browning has actually been getting the majority of the snaps, as he provides more of an athletic option in the middle of the defense.

In addition, OSU will be without the services of some-time starting offensive tackle Joshua Alabi, wide receiver Kamryn Babb, defensive tackle Noah Donald, receiver Elijah Gardiner, tight end Jake Hausmann, safety Ronnie Hickman, and DT Taron Vincent.

This week’s game-time decisions will be linebacker Teradja Mitchell, offensive tackle Thayer Munford, and H-back C.J. Saunders. If Munford is unable to go against the Wildcats, redshirt freshman Nicholas Petit-Frere will likely get his first start as a Buckeye, as he is listed as the co-starter at LT. When Baranden Bowen has dealt with injuries earlier in the season, Alabi has been the back-up called upon to fill the spot.

With Browning out, sophomore Dallas Gant has been moved up to the second middle linebacker position behind Borland. However, it is also possible that Mitchell (if he plays) or K’Vaughan Pope could fill in at Mike as well.

Check out the complete Ohio State depth chart: