Penn State, Wisconsin Release Initial Availability Reports

The first availability report of the season has dropped for Penn State ahead of its Big Ten opener against Wisconsin.

The Nittany Lions, as expected, will be without wide receiver Koby Howard, who’s out for an “extended period of time.” Howard posted on his Instagram hinting at a return for the Michigan game on Oct. 17.

Joining Howard in the “out” category are defensive ends LaVar Arrington II, Max Granville, Mason Robinson and Dayshaun Burnett, cornerbacks Joshua Johnson and Tyler Armstead, offensive lineman Will Tompkins and tight end Cooper Alexander. There are no major surprises among that group, with Granville and Tompkins already announced as out for the season.

Under the questionable tab are linebacker Cam Smith, tight end Andrew Rappleyea, centers Brock Riker and Dom Rulli, cornerback Christian Askew and wide receiver Ethan Black. Campbell previously stated Riker was likely to return on Saturday, while Rappleyea’s status is still in the air. Listed as probable was safety Omarion Davis.

For the Badgers, cornerback Kai Bates, wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux, offensive lineman Michael Roeske and defensive lineman Xavier Ukponu are listed as out for Saturday’s contest.

Under questionable status are running back Abu Sama III, wide receiver Malachi Coleman, running back Bryan Jackson II, offensive lineman Emerson Mandell and tight end Ryan Schwendeman. Sama was at Iowa State for the last three seasons, splitting touches with current Nittany Lion running back Carson Hansen.

Additionally, linebacker Mason Posa, wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr., quarterback Danny O’Neil and offensive lineman Kevin Heywood are listed as probable to play. More availailibty reports will be released Thurdsday, Friday and Saturday in the leadup to the game.