The third Big Ten mandated injury report in Penn State football history has been released and overall, it’s encouraging for coach James Franklin’s squad.
Three defenders— DT Coziah Izzard, DE Amin Vanover and CB Daequan Hardy— missed Penn State’s first two games at home against West Virginia and Delaware.
But all three were seen at the media’s weekly practice viewing window this past Wednesday, and none of them are on the report ahead of the today’s Big Ten opener at Illinois.
The only player listed as “out” for Penn State that isn’t out for the season is Malick Meiga, a special teams captain who also missed last week’s game against Delaware. The other three— DT Alonzo Ford, LG Landon Tengwall and DE Smith Vilbert— won’t play in 2023. The biggest injury concern for Penn State today lies in the “questionable” category.
Penn State’s No. 2 receiver, Harrison “Trey” Wallace III, appeared on the report for the first time in 2023. So far, he’s been a dependable option for first-year starting QB Drew Allar. Through two games, Wallace has 10 catches for 98 yards. Seven of those catches and 72 of those yards came in Penn State’s 38-15 season-opening win over West Virginia.
The good news for Penn State’s receivers room is that Omari Evans isn’t listed on the report for the first time in 2023. Evans was out for the WVU game and listed as questionable for Delaware, although he ended up playing. If Wallace can’t go or is limited, Evans’ role will become that much more important.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Here’s the full injury report.
OUT: WR Malick Meiga, DT Alonzo Ford (season), LG Landon Tengwall (season), DE Smith Vilbert (season).
Questionable: WR Trey Wallace, DT Kaleb Artis
WR Malick Meiga is out. WR Harrison Wallace III is questionable. pic.twitter.com/AJgGM2mjNO
— Jon Sauber (@JonSauber) September 16, 2023
