Nick Singleton injury update: What's the latest on the Penn State running back before Purdue?
Penn State was without running back Nicholas Singleton for much of the second half last weekend against Washington. The junior’s final carry came with nine minutes to go in the third quarter. After the game, head coach James Franklin said that he might not have an update on the standout’s status until Wednesday. But, on Monday, he described the injury as a “short-term” one. Then, earlier this evening, reporters saw the Nittany Lion on the practice field ahead of Saturday’s trip to Purdue. What’s the latest on his status?
“Confident he’ll be ready to go,” Franklin said Wednesday night. “But as you guys know, medical decisions are out of my league. But, we’re confident.”
All signs continue to point toward Singleton possibly being able to play on Saturday. But, a final decision will come on game day. So far this season, he has rushed 88 times for 543 yards and three touchdowns. He also has four scores through the air. Before exiting the game against the Huskies early, he looked more explosive than he had in recent weeks since suffering a different injury in late September. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown coming out of halftime that was called back by a holding flag.
With Singleton sidelined in the second half, Kaytron Allen took the bulk of the remaining carries. He finished with 20 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown.
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“I think you guys know Nick’s had some things lingering on and off kind of throughout the year and has battled through them,” Franklin said on Monday. “Kaytron is a workhorse. And they complement each other really well. Even on the kickoff return it was a shame that that got called back. And I think it was a legitimate call.”
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Freshman Corey Smith also made his debut last week. He carried five times for 95 yards, including a 78-yard effort on the final Penn State drive of the game. It’s not yet clear, but likely, that Smith and fellow freshman Quinton Martin Jr., will both travel to West Lafayette on Saturday regardless of Singleton’s status. Smith might get the first call, though, if needed, as he can play in every remaining game this season while Martin Jr., can play in just one more contest before hitting the four-game mark to preserve a year of eligibility. A fifth regular season appearance would burn his redshirt.
“We had two young backs that I think you guys knew we were excited about,” Franklin said. “And I think early on there was a lot of talk about Quinton, and deservedly so. But I think in the Lasch Building, there was also a lot of excitement about Corey, a different style back than probably the other three. But it was great to see him get in there. And the long run, it’s probably what everybody is excited about, although he took hell for it in the team meeting yesterday and with his teammates.
“The run that was probably most impressive to us is his first run, his first play as a college football player. The patience he showed, his ability, and a little bit of a dirty read to get vertical. He’s still got to put on some size and do a great job in the weight room, but he stuck it up in there and had a really, really efficient run. So that’s good. Those guys are being developed. I think we have talent at that position. Think they’re holding up well. I think both Nick and Kaytron are really good complementary pieces to each other. And we’re going to need all of them as this season continues.”
