CARSON, Calif. — Wide receiver Chris Olave is one of four Ohio State players skipping the Rose Bowl in order to begin preparing for the NFL draft.
But he is continuing to practice with the Buckeyes this week and was seen during an open viewing period on Tuesday at Dignity Health Sports Park.
During a special teams period, he fielded a punt and also lined up with other receivers in a position drill.
None of Ohio State’s other opt-outs, which include fellow star receiver Garrett Wilson, as well as defensive tackle Haskell Garrett and left tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, were at practice.
Olave has been planning to be in attendance for the Rose Bowl game against Utah on New Year’s Day. When he made his announcement on Monday, he said he would be there “cheering on my teammates.” Pasadena is also close to his hometown north of San Diego.
Here are some other notes and observations from Tuesday’s practice:
Master Teague on track to play
Running back Master Teague, who was banged up over the second half of the season, was taking part in practice and appears on track to be available against the Utes. He was third in line for reps behind TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams in position drills. Evan Pryor followed Teague in the rotation. Teague has missed four of the Buckeyes’ last six games.
Cody Simon not seen at practice
Starting middle linebacker Cody Simon was not seen at practice. For much of this season, he’s been dealing with a shoulder injury and it appeared to be reaggravated against Michigan State last month, though he played in the following game. Tommy Eichenberg looked to be filling in his place alongside Steele Chambers.
Cade Stover at linebacker
Tight end Cade Stover was practicing at linebacker after previously converting from the position last year. He also appeared at linebacker for a snap late in last month’s 42-27 loss at Michigan. Depth at linebacker has been thin late in the season.
Palaie Gaoteote returns
Linebacker Palaie Gaoteote was at practice after missing the final two games of the regular season.
Sevyn Banks not spotted
Cornerbacks Sevyn Banks and Marcus Williamson were not spotted during the practice. It could be the third straight game that Banks has missed after starting for most of the season. If he’s not available, Cameron Brown is likely to start as the outside cornerback opposite Denzel Burke.
* The secondary could have cornerback Demario McCall back as he was at practice after being out at Michigan.
* Without Wilson playing in the Rose Bowl, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was returning punts. He also returned punts when Wilson was sidelined for a Nov. 6 game at Nebraska and later in the month as well.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Chris Olave practices with Ohio State football amid Rose Bowl opt-out