Penn State Tight End Out for Season Opener at West Virginia

The Big Ten has released its availability report for Penn State’s season opener at West Virginia, and the Nittany Lions will be without one of its veteran offensive players. Khalil Dinkins, who’s played in a total of 22 games at tight end over the past two seasons, is out against the Mountaineers.

James Franklin told reporters two weeks ago that Dinkins has “missed some time” with “bumps and bruises” this preseason, and it didn’t appear likely that the redshirt junior would be a go for action.

In his place, underclassmen Andrew Rappleyea and Luke Reynolds are both expected to play meaningful snaps on Saturday alongside leading tight end Tyler Warren.

“I think you’ll see a ton of Rappleyea. I also think you’ll see a decent amount of Luke, as well, in this first game,” Franklin said. “I think Rap, as you guys know, there’s been an excitement about him since last year, and he just continues to develop and get better. I think Tyler’s influence on all those guys has been really good.”

In positive news for Penn State, wide receiver and expected primary punt returner Kaden Saunders is fully available for action. He has also dealt with recent “bumps and bruises,” Franklin said Monday, and was “hopeful” to play Saturday.