The hits keep coming for Ohio State as coach Luke Fickell said Tuesday that defensive end Nathan Williams likely will miss the rest of the season with a left knee injury.

Williams has been out since sustaining the injury in Ohio State's season opener against Akron. He had the knee scoped Sept. 14, but the injury hasn't progressed enough. Fickell said Williams likely will undergo another surgery.

Williams, a senior and a projected starter, has a redshirt season available.

His continued absence will put pressure on young defensive ends like J.T. Moore and Steve Miller. Moore has filled Williams' starting spot since his injury.