At his first weekly press conference as Penn State football’s coach, Matt Campbell gave an update on a trio of injured players.
Safety Jeremiah Cooper suffered a torn ACL while playing at Iowa State last September and is still working his way back.
Linebacker Alex Tatsch, who is returning after spending his freshman season at Penn State, suffered an injury leading up to the Pinstripe Bowl, and tight end Gabe Burkle suffered a knee injury in December.
Here’s where all three stand going into Week 1.
WHAT CAMPBELL SAID.
“I’d say Jeremiah Cooper is probably in the probable category,” he said. “You know, I think his ability to play- he’s probably the closest to being able to play this week. Has had a really good week and a half of practice… Gabe and Tash are probably on track for Week 2, so I would say they’re doubtful this week. But you know, we’re still early in the week, a little bit to see where they’re at. But that’s my guess right now, best estimation of where those guys are at. But all three guys are back on the practice field. All three guys are progressing themselves forward. It’s just making sure they’re absolutely prepared to step back on the field.“
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.
WHAT THESE GUYS MEAN
When Cooper is healthy, he’s one of the best defensive backs in the country.
Cooper was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2023 and earned all-conference honorable mention honors in 2024, establishing himself as one of the league’s more reliable defensive backs during his time in Ames.Â
Campbell feels Burkle is the “best blocking tight end” in the country’ and Tatsch “has got a chance to be one of the great linebackers of all time here.”
Penn State-Marshall is scheduled for 3:30 on FS1 Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
