Justin Fields playing in national title game in spite of rib injury

UPDATE: Justin Fields is playing. He was slow getting up after a hit, but he remains in the game and we’re tracking his performance.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields is likely ready to play this evening after an injury in the Sugar Bowl against Clemson put his status in question.

The star junior quarterback and expected early first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft took a shot to the ribs from Tigers safety James Skalski, but returned to the game and finished with 385 passing yards and six touchdowns against the No. 2 team in college football. It was a virtuoso performance, especially following his struggles in the Big Ten Championship Game against Northwestern.

Officially, Fields is listed as “probable” with an “undisclosed” injury on the Ohio State injury report. But he’s said himself he’ll be ready to go for this evening.

“I’ll be good come Monday night,” Fields said Thursday.

Asked not if he’d play but if the injury would affect him, the answer remained.

“I’ll be good by Monday night,” he repeated.

We’ll update here if there’s any changes to Fields’ status, and considering how much money he has on the line as an NFL prospect tonight, it’s a massive game for the young man both as a quarterback and off the field as well.