Star defensive end Nick Bosa will not play for Ohio State this Saturday against Tulane, but coach Urban Meyer revealed little else about Bosa’s status going forward at the coach’s weekly news conference.

Bosa was injured early in the third quarter of Buckeyes’ 40-28 win over Texas Christian, and after limping from the field and then to the locker room, did not return to action. He did return to the bench wearing street clothes.

“He’s getting further tests this week, he will not play” against Tulane at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Ohio Stadium, Meyer said. “He’ll have further tests on a groin and abdominal issue.”

Program insiders were making no forecasts on when, or whether, Bosa will be able to return to action. It was obvious, however, that the strain coming the way it did in that area of his body, and the instant problems it caused, was a serious concern.

Bosa is considered one of the elite players in the nation, and it has been widely speculated that should be opt to leave for the NFL after this, his junior season, he would be expected to go early in the draft.

As for the blow it presents to the OSU defense, through three games he leads the team in tackles (14) and sacks (four). On Saturday night he caused the fumble that Davon Hamilton recovered in the end zone for Ohio State’s first touchdown. Bosa scored a touchdown in the Buckeyes’ first-game win over Oregon State, pouncing on a fumble caused by linebacker Peter Werner.

tmay@dispatch.com

@TIM_MAYsports