By: The AP via Seattle Post-Intelligencer —
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells will not play when the third-ranked Buckeyes take on Ohio on Saturday.

Wells injured his right foot in last weekend’s 43-0 victory over Youngstown State. He has not practiced with the team this week and has spent much of the time wearing a protective boot.

“Beanie won’t go this week,” Tressel said Thursday afternoon. “I feel good about his progress, but it wasn’t enough progress to practice through yesterday.”

Asked if he worries that Wells may not be available when the Buckeyes play at No. 1 Southern California on Sept. 13, Tressel added: “No, not at all. Not at all. But that’s easy to say today.”

The junior running back was considered one of the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy behind returning winner Tim Tebow of Florida.

Despite several nagging injuries last year, Wells rushed for 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Ohio State has not allowed him to speak with reporters since he was injured, although he was quoted by a team spokesman as saying he was relieved that X-rays had not shown any broken bones.

He was seen walking between meetings at the team’s practice facility Tuesday, carrying the protective boot while gingerly making his way in stockinged feet.

Running backs coach Dick Tressel, Jim’s older brother, said Wednesday night that Wells had not been permitted to have contact, or to even put weight on his injured foot.

“Any time you have a foot injury and you have to tote around 238 pounds at high velocity, it’s a day-by-day thing,” he said.

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