In the first quarter of Ohio State’s 2016 season-opener against Bowling Green, with the Buckeyes already comfortably leading 21-7, Falcons running back Fred Coppet took a handoff up the middle for a modest 2-yard gain.
Ohio State defensive end Jalyn Holmes and linebacker Raekwon McMillan were credited with the tackle on the play, but as players from both teams slowly rose to their feet, one member of the Buckeyes’ defense laid on the turf. And after a brief delay, Tracy Sprinkle got up and needed assistance getting off the field. He did not return to the game.
Afterward, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer revealed Sprinkle suffered a patellar tendon injury that would require season-ending surgery.