Anthony Donkoh injury update: Will Penn State have its starting right tackle at USC?
Penn State lost second-year right tackle and first-year starter Anthony Donkoh in the first half of last weekend’s win over UCLA due to injury. The nature of the issue was not disclosed, but the Virginia native was favoring his left shoulder. He went to the sideline following a first quarter sack and was clearly in pain. After a trip to the sideline injury tent, he emerged without his pads on. The sophomore would later put them back on. But, he remained on the sideline for the duration of the game. That’s true even if he did not have his helmet and never returned to the field.
Penn State head coach James Franklin was not asked about Donkoh’s status either after the triumph over the Bruins or at his Monday news conference, which was his first of USC week. After reporters saw the blocker going through drills on Wednesday, the 11th year leader of the Lions was asked about his status on Wednesday night.
Penn State practice notes: Offense | Defense
“Obviously, you guys know, we’ve been very, very pleased with Anthony, and we anticipate having him on Saturday,” Franklin said.
It will be a boon for No. 4 Penn State if Donkoh is ready to play against the 3-2 Trojans. They meet at LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS). He has been one of the team’s best offensive linemen in his first season as a first-teamer. He moved to the right side for the Peach Bowl last year and has manned the position ever since. If he is either unable to go or only able to play sparingly, first-year Nittany Lion Nolan Rucci, who transferred in from Wisconsin this offseason, will move up to the first team. And, the Lions could utilize guard/tackle JB Nelson at right tackle, as well.
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“Rucci has been able to play and play well. And, allow us to continue to do what we want to do on offense,” Franklin said. “I think he’s gaining confidence and getting more comfortable. But, that depth is important. We’re going to have bumps and bruises throughout the year. But, we’ve been pleased with Donkoh, really, since the bowl game. And Rucci was a nice piece of the puzzle to bring in. And, he’ll continue to have a significant role for us moving forward.”
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