Here’s what Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said this morning about injured tailback Beanie Wells’ status for Saturday’s game against USC:

“Based on what I saw yesterday, he was running well. The key will be how he’s able to practice here in the back half of the week. I’ll be anxious to see how much soreness he has after yesterday’s workout. But I’m encouraged.”

Wells, who suffered a foot injury Aug. 30, worked on the side while the Buckeyes practiced on Monday.