By Jeff Goodman(CBSSports.com) — Jared Sullinger gave up late-night snacks and his favorite foods this past summer and shed about 25 pounds of baby fat in an effort to become more versatile and increase his stamina. He was primed for a huge season. Instead, he’s caught the injury bug.

The once-rotund Ohio State sophomore big man, who entered the season as the frontrunner for National Player of the Year honors, missed last weekend’s loss at Kansas with back spams and then suffered a bone bruise in his foot today. He’s listed as day-to-day, but if I’m Thad Matta, I’m going to be extra cautious because the Buckeyes have no shot at going to the Final Four without Sully. None. Sullinger said via twitter that he’s fine — and will be “back at it tomorrow.”

I’m no doctor, but I’d sit him for the next three games – all home contests – to make sure he gets right. Really right. Up next Tuesday is Lamar, then comes Miami (Ohio) followed by the Big Ten opener against Northwestern. Even if the Buckeyes happen to lose two of them, it’s no big deal. Maybe they wind up being a No. 2 seed instead of a No. 1. It’s not worth the risk.

All that truly matters is to have Sullinger’s back……

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