COLUMBUS - Ohio State junior linebacker Tyler Moeller, who was expected to start for the Buckeyes this season, will likely miss all of 2009 as a result of a non-football related head injury he suffered prior to the start of fall practice.

OSU head coach Jim Tressel, speaking with the media following this morning’s practice session here, said Moeller is recovering.

"He’s injured. He’s not with us," Tressel said.

Several media reports indicated that Moeller was assaulted while on vacation in Florida with his family, but Tressel declined to share any details of the circumstances surrounding the injury.

"You’re always going to get some surprises – we’ve got a hundred kids -- and some (surprises) are very, very unfortunate, and some maybe you had a lot to do with it happening," Tressel said. "From what I gather, Tyler did not have much to do with what happened. Beyond that, I really can’t say much."

Moeller played in 23 games over the past two seasons and had 26 tackles. Tressel said he did not expect Moeller to play at all this season.

"No, I’m not betting on this year," Tressel said. "There was a moment where I was nervous that he might not play again. He loves this game. The good news, from what I understand, is that if he continues to move the way he is, he will be back with us – it won’t be soon."