Anthony Donkoh injury update: Penn State right tackle hurt, carted off at Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Penn State right tackle Anthony Donkoh left Saturday’s matchup with Minnesota after just two plays due to injury. The second-year Nittany Lion and first-year starter was blocking in a pass protection set on the team’s second play from scrimmage when he tumbled backward. He immediately grasped at his right knee and remained sprawled on his back until the training staff arrived on the field. After tending to him on the field, staff members helped Donkoh to the sideline injury tent. He put very little weight on his right leg on the way to Lions bench. Then, moments later, he needed crutches to get to a cart that took him back to the Penn State locker room.
The nature of Donkoh’s injury is not clear. But, it’s obviously a right leg issue. He will be replaced by Nolan Rucci, who has played plenty already this season. Update: Donkoh returned to the sideline in the second quarter in street clothes and on crutches.
“The whole line was grinding, and it was really iron sharpens iron,” Rucci said recently. “We’ve always got to stay ready in case that number is called.”
His number will be called in a much bigger way today and possibly for the remainder of the season.
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Penn State falls behind early in Minnesota
Donkoh’s injury came on 2nd down on the team’s first series. On 3rd and short, the Lions went to their wildcat package with tight end Tyler Warren but failed to gain a yard. They punted. Nine plays later, Minnesota took a 7-0 lead. Marcus Majors ran in from 20 yards out to put the Gophers on top with 8:57 to go in the first quarter. The Lions will need to quickly overcome the loss of Donkoh to move the ball on offense while making critical adjustments on defense. This is the first time the Lions have trailed since the Wisconsin game.
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