Penn State might be able to overcome Saturday’s loss to Temple, but the loss of middle linebacker Nyeem Wartman-White could prove to be more challenging as James Franklin confirmed that he will miss the remainder of the season.
Wartman-White was injured in the second quarter during coverage on a Nittany Lion punt. Wartman-White initially rolled on the ground in pain before eventually walking off under his own power favoring his left knee.
Widely regarded as Penn State’s best linebacker, defensive coordinator Bob Shoop called Wartman-White the quarterback of the defense, setting up coverages and assignments each play.
Last season Wartman-White registered 75 tackles but missed the 2012 season after an injury in Week 2 against Virginia. Wartman-White had two tackles for a loss prior to his injury on Saturday.
Linebackers Brandon Bell and Gary Wooten both sustained minor injuries on Saturday as well. Both, Wooten and Bell are expected to play next week but the injuries resulted true freshman Jakes Cooper and Manny Bowen burning their redshirt season during Saturday’s game.
