Penn State Football: No Update Regarding Clifford Health, Although Program Appears Optimistic

Penn State coach James Franklin did not offer any substantial update following practice Wednesday regarding quarterback Sean Clifford’s health status, although the Nittany Lions appear optimistic Clifford will return this year.

Prior to Franklin speaking with reporters Clifford was not seen working on the field with his fellow quarterbacks during the open portion of Wednesday’s practice.

“It’s part of the game, right?” Franklin said when asked about Clifford. “Sean’s had [health] issues in the past. He’s doing everything he possibly can to get back as soon as he possibly can and go from there. What he’s dealing with is not uncommon at the quarterback position.”

Clifford went down midway through the second quarter during Penn State’s eventual 23-20 loss to Iowa this past Saturday and did not return to the game. The three-year starter could be seen walking the sideline in street clothes but had no visible wrappings or bandages. Clifford was not knocked out of the game during the run of play but appeared to be injured following a hit during a Nittany Lion second quarter drive.

In his absence Penn State turned to backup Ta’Quan Roberson who struggled greatly going just 7-for-21 while throwing two interceptions. Penn State would score just three points in the second half under Roberson’s watch as the sophomore got his most meaningful playing time of his Nittany Lion tenure.

Generally speaking Franklin does not address player injuries or return timelines unless a player is out for the remainder of the season. Such was the case on Wednesday as Franklin announced that defensive tackle PJ Mustipher will miss the remainder of the year after sustaining an injury on the first defensive drive of the game this past Saturday against Iowa.

The good news for Penn State, the Nittany Lions currently have nine more days before facing Illinois at Beaver Stadium and an additional week following that game before a trip to Columbus to face Ohio State. All told Clifford would have a total of 20 days between sustaining his injury and facing the Buckeyes if Penn State is optimistic about his eventual return. Despite Roberson’s issues, Penn State could very well sneak past the Illini if need be without Clifford’s services.

The injury marks the second year during which Clifford has missed time with injury, the three-year starter sat for the majority of the Nittany Lions’ loss to Ohio State in 2019 and did not play the following week against Rutgers. In turn now Kentucky starting quarterback Will Levis started in Clifford’s place.

All told the Nittany Lions have now played their backup quarterback for meaningful snaps in meaningful games in four straight seasons dating back to the 2018 campaign when both Tommy Stevens and Sean Clifford saw time in place of injured Trace McSorley.