Ohio State star Beanie Wells feeling ‘great’

COLUMBUS, Ohio – No one around Ohio State seemed willing or able to discuss the exact nature of tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells’ injury, but today brought hints of a timely recovery.

“I saw Beanie about 10:30-ish in the trainer’s room,” Coach Jim Tressel said at a midday news conference. “He said he felt great.”

Or at least healthy enough that Tressel would not rule him out for Saturday’s game against Ohio. Wells’ upgraded status made it seem more likely he would be ready for the Buckeyes’ much-anticipated visit to USC on Sept. 13.

X-rays came back negative after Wells was injured in the season opener against Youngstown State. Linebacker Marcus Freeman and tight end Rory Nicol said he told them it was a toe injury.

Tressel played dumb on the matter.

“I can’t even think if I’ve even heard some fancy word for it,” the coach said. “I’m still back in the ‘foot hurts’ era.”

Given that Wells led the Buckeyes’ offense with 1,609 rushing yards last season, “Beanie Watch” has become something of an obsession around Columbus.

When Freeman went to a local fast-food restaurant over the holiday weekend, the cashier asked: “How’s Beanie?” Nicol said the questions can get tiresome.

“Especially when it’s your parents,” he said.

 david.wharton@latimes.com