Denzel Burke injury update: Latest on the Ohio State player for Week 8 

In a setback for Ohio State, star CB Denzel Burke injured his ankle in the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers after attempting a tackle.

Freshman Jermaine Mathews stepped up as his replacement, with Jordan Hancock also assuming an expanded role as an outside cornerback.

Denzel Burke injury update

Burke left the field limping after rolling his ankle while trying to cover the ground quickly.

Immediate evaluation by the Buckeyes' training staff took place on the field. Subsequently, Burke went to the medical tent for further examination.

Trainers escorted Denzel Burke to Ohio State's locker room and he didn't return to the game.

Before getting injured, Burke had recorded three tackles and a cover grade of 84.6 (10 snaps minimum).

In Tuesday's press conference, coach Ryan Day said he expected Burke to return for the matchup against No. 7 Penn State.

Denzel Burke's performances for the Ohio State Buckeyes

Burke was the No. 1 corner in his freshman year, leading the defense in snaps and recording 35 total tackles, 12 passes defended, an interception, and a touchdown.

However, his sophomore season didn't match the statistical heights of his debut as it was plagued by injuries. Despite the challenges, Burke finished the season on a high note. He delivered a standout performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Georgia Bulldogs.

As such, Burke was hoping to stay fit throughout the season.

“Physically, I couldn't do a lot of things. I had the shoulder, I had an ankle, the hand, fingers. So I'm healthy this year, thank God. So, God willing, I could just stay healthy all year.”

If he does return against Penn State, he will provide a massive boost to the Buckeyes defense.