Ohio State Football: Buckeyes Lose Two DBs to Shoulder Injuries

Ohio State's defensive backfield took a hit on Thursday, according to Bill Rabinowitz of The Columbus Dispatch, with the news that cornerback Adam Griffin, the son of legendary Buckeyes running back Archie Griffin, and safety Jamie Wood have been sidelined with shoulder injuries.

"

OSU announces Jamie Wood and Adam Griffin likely done with shoulder injuries. Wood's battled a ton of injuries but Griffin is a surprise

— Jeff Svoboda (@JeffSvoboda) August 15, 2013"

Ohio State spokesperson Jerry Emig stated in a university release that Griffin will likely not be able to continue playing football.

Wood, a redshirt senior who has battled chronic shoulder injuries, has likely played the last of his football as well.

Griffin was a solid contributor on special teams last year, playing in all 12 games and registering 13 tackles. With the departure of Travis Howard, Griffin had moved up the depth chart to back up starting cornerback Doran Grant.

Wood played in all 13 games during the 2010-11 seasons, but was sidelined last year in Ohio State's Week 4 matchup with UAB after re-injuring his shoulder. Wood was orchestrating a comeback and was expected to back up starting safety C.J. Barnett, but this latest setback has derailed those plans.

The Buckeyes finished spring practice with outstanding depth in the defensive backfield, but coupling these injuries with the suspensions of Bradley Roby and Najee Murray is bad news for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes.

Thanks to a strong 2013 recruiting class, Ohio State can turn to some young but promising talent.

Four-star cornerback prospects such as Cameron Burrows, Eli Apple and Gareon Conley will be asked to cover Griffin's loss. Five-star safety Vonn Bell and four-star prospect Christopher Worley will need to step up in Wood's absence.

This is an unfortunate way to end a career, though, and Griffin's and Wood's absence, even though they weren't starters, will certainly be felt.

All recruit rankings per 247Sports.com.

David Regimbal is the lead Ohio State football writer for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.