Penn State fans were as eager to see who wouldn’t hit the field for the Nittany Lions this weekend as they were the outcome of the game itself.
The names in question, primarily, running backs Akeel Lynch and Saquon Barkley. And for those who braved the rain, neither saw the field. Barkley and Lynch both walking the sideline in sweatpants and uniforms.
Perhaps more important, their status moving froward. Both players missing Saturday’s game was a bit predictable. When they return in the future is the new question on most fan’s minds.
According to James Franklin it’s still to be determined.
“They weren’t ready to play this week; it wasn’t like we were holding anybody for anything,” James Franklin said after the game. “They weren’t able to go this week so hopefully we’ll have an opportunity to get the guys back. The kids always say that. You ask the guys, ‘You ready to play?’ ‘Oh yeah, I can play coach. I can do it. Talk to the trainer, ‘No, no you can’t.’”
“We’re always going to put the safety of our players first to make sure they’re taken care of and we’ve got really sharp, trained professionals that are able to do that.”
Penn State will also wait for the return of safety Marcus Allen who was expected to return this week. Fellow starter Jordan Lucas made his return against Army after missing action against San Diego State. Lucas was second on the team in tackles with eight behind Jason Cabinda’s 14 stops.
Added to the injury list, punter Chris Gulla and center Angelo Mangiro. Both players left the field during the course of the game and did not return. Neither player’s status was updated following the game per Franklin’s stance on injury information.
Penn State faces Indiana next week for a noon kick.
