How does Penn State feel about its injury situation ahead of Wisconsin?
Penn State football experienced its final regular season week where extra, or even precautionary, rest and recovery could be prioritized between last Sunday and this Sunday as the team had its final bye of the season. The No. 3 Nittany Lions went into it with question marks from a health perspective. Running back Nicholas Singleton returned to action at USC after missing the UCLA game and lacked some of his typical explosiveness but still caught the game-tying touchdown pass in the fourth quarter after rushing 10 times for 26 yards earlier in the 33-30 win. Other “bumps and bruises,” as the program generally refers to injuries in most instances these days, existed, but there were no surprises on the pregame availability report in Los Angeles.
Where do things stand now as the Lions prep for a primetime matchup with Wisconsin? Lions coach James Franklin was asked for an update on that topic following practice on Wednesday night.
“I think for the most part, we’re in pretty good position,” Franklin said. “We’ve had some of that kind of throughout the season. We kind of had an initial wave of issues. Kind of got through it, and from that point on, I think we’ve been in pretty good shape.”
Recapping Penn State injury issues this season
The team is dealing with more long-term injuries this year than it has in other seasons. Star safety KJ Winston Jr., and expected running back and tight end contributors Andrew Rappleyea and Cam Wallace, respectively, suffered long-term injuries once play started. In addition to them, starting punt returner/receiver Kaden Saunders has been dealing with a health injury since camp and was seen before the UCLA win on the sideline with a walking boot on his right foot.
Some setbacks happened earlier this year, too. Quarterback Jaxon Smolik, defensive end Zuriah Fisher, and linebacker Keon Wylie, for example, have all been dealing with long-term issues for months. Each is at a different stage of his recovery, and while one or some of that trio may return later in the year, it is not guaranteed.
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Then, beyond Saunders and Singleton, other Lions have missed either a full game or parts of them, as well. Linebacker Dominic DeLuca has been playing with a brace on his right hand. Positionmate Tony Rojas has missed snaps in-game this year, as has right tackle Anthony Donkoh and guard Sal Wormley.
If there is a silver lining to the situation, the timing of the bye weeks (one in early September and one at the midway point of the season), in addition to injury issues, have allowed some younger Lions to progress. Franklin shouted out a few of them Wednesday night.
More: Which young players made the most of Penn State’s bye week?
“I think also, we got some guys that are developing that are coming on,” Franklin said. “Whether it’s [freshmen defensive ends] Max Granville or [Jaylen] Harvey, or [freshmen running backs] Quinton [Martin Jr.] or Corey [Smith], there’s guys that are coming along at some positions. [Freshman] DaKaari [Nelson]’s development at the linebacker position, all of those things have been important.”
