Anthony Donkoh injury update: What's the latest on the Penn State right tackle?
Penn State right tackle Anthony Donkoh left the Minnesota game after just two plays due to an undisclosed injury. The second-year Nittany Lion was backpedaling in a pass set opposite Golden Gophers pass rusher Jah Joyner when tumbled backward. He remained down on the turf after the play, which resulted in a five-yard gain, was over. The training staff rushed out to check on the Virginia native as he grabbed at his right knee. He eventually left the Huntington Bank Field surface but needed help from teammates and trainers and put minimal weight on his right leg while walking. After a brief trip to the sideline injury tent, Donkoh needed to use crutches to get to a cart that took him to the Lions’ locker room. He later returned to the sideline in street clothes and with the crutches.
Head coach James Franklin was not asked for an update on Donkoh after the game. But, he was on Monday. What is the lineman’s status?
“Anthony is a long-term injury, and we felt like Rucci played well,’ Franklin said. Nolan Rucci will now start in his place.
“Our offensive line as well as Rucci, I think you could watch 20 plays and be very impressed and then watch a couple of plays and be frustrated. Like always, we got to take responsibility in that, and you have to give Minnesota credit.
“We were pleased with Rucci and sure are glad he’s on our team. We’re going to need him to have a really good week this week and have a lot of confidence that he will.”
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Donkoh has had a trying season in his first year as a Penn State starter
Donkoh has fought through upper and lower body injuries already this season prior to leaving the Minnesota game early. Per Pro Football Focus, he has played just 447 snaps this season, which is fifth among the offensive linemen, even if he’s suited up for all 11 contests. With the second-year Nittany Lion in and out of the lineup, Penn State has often turned to backup Nolan Rucci, who is in his first season in State College after transferring in from Wisconsin this offseason. He will now be the full-time starter.
“It is uncomfortable when you’re coming into a new place,” Rucci said recently. “You don’t really know anybody. I think just embracing that, being comfortable being uncomfortable, because that’s where you grow as a person. That’s where you learn is putting yourself in difficult situations where you might not be too excited about it, but it’s definitely opportunity for growth.
“Nutrition and the training staff here has been great. I feel like that’s been one of the biggest improvements in my game since I’ve got here, is just building my strength and my weigh. Having those things and having those things available to you has been awesome, and keep taking advantage of making sure I’m maintaining my weight.”
