Penn State will be without one of its regular defensive starters for its matchup with Illinois on Saturday night.
Dominic DeLuca, a team captain who exited with an injury against Kent State last weekend and did not play the second half, has officially been ruled inactive, per the Big Ten’s Availability Report.
DeLuca had tallied two tackles through three games this season.
Cam Wallace, the team’s third-string running back behind Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, is also out. He was carted to the locker room in the fourth quarter against the Golden Flashes after rushing nine times for 39 yards and a touchdown.
DeLuca’s injury is likely to put four linebackers into the spotlight: Anthony Speca, Ta’Mere Robinson, Tyler Elsdon and DaKaari Nelson.
Speca, a true freshman who was given a one-game “green light” by James Franklin on Wednesday, could see an increased role after tallying a team-high five tackles last weekend.
Wallace’s role is likely to be replaced by true freshman Quinton Martin, who took seven rushes for 24 yards in his college debut last weekend.
