Ohio State team physician Grant Jones said there is a chance Jared Sullinger will return for Saturday’s game at South Carolina.

“It’s more likely going to be Saturday at the earliest that we can see his progress in terms of contact-type activities,” Jones said. “We’re going to make sure he’s fully recovered. The one thing we don’t want to do is put him back (on the court) too early, which could cause a setback, and if you get a setback now, that could mean a couple more weeks.”

Sullinger has not played since a Nov. 29 win over Duke due to back spasms.