SEATTLE, Wash. – Penn State will have to wait until closer to kickoff to know whether leading receiver Chase Sowell can return against Washington.
Sowell, defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim, offensive lineman Malachi Goodman and wide receiver Zay Robinson are all game-time decisions against the Huskies. Wide receiver Koby Howard remains out, leaving the Nittany Lions facing another potentially shorthanded afternoon in the passing game.
Friday’s report listed Sowell, Nnodim and Goodman as probable and Robinson as questionable. All four now head into Saturday with their availability unresolved.
Sowell missed last Saturday’s win over Purdue, leaving Penn State without its leading receiver. Getting him back would give the Nittany Lions an experienced target as they try to build on that victory away from Beaver Stadium.
Robinson’s status matters beyond the passing game.
The redshirt freshman has contributed nine catches for 129 yards and a touchdown while also serving as Penn State’s primary return man. He entered the week fourth in the Big Ten with 196 punt return yards, making his availability a concern for both the offense and special teams.
With Howard already ruled out, losing either receiver would further limit Penn State’s options against Washington.
Howard will miss his sixth consecutive game.
He had two 100-yard receiving performances during Penn State’s first three games before suffering an injury against Buffalo. There was some hope he could return this week, but his designation changed from questionable Thursday to out Friday.
Head coach Matt Campbell said earlier in the week that Howard had been very limited in practice.
Goodman’s status creates another question for an offense coming off an encouraging performance against Purdue.
The starting left tackle opened Penn State’s first eight games and played more offensive snaps than any other Nittany Lion entering this week. Penn State rushed for 269 yards in its 31-17 victory over the Boilermakers, and Goodman’s absence would force an adjustment up front.
Nnodim’s availability also carries added importance with fellow defensive tackle Alijah Carnell already ruled out.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Penn State has six players unavailable overall, including four on defense. Max Granville, Alex Tatsch and Tyler Armstead join Carnell among those sidelined.
Kickoff against Washington is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern on FS1.
GAME-TIME DECISIONS
WR Chase Sowell
DT Armstrong Nnodim
OL Malachi Goodman
WR Zay Robinson
OUT
WR #6 Koby Howard
DE #18 Max Granville
LB #25 Alex Tatsch
CB #35 Tyler Armstead
DT #56 Alijah Carnell
K #95 Cristiano Rosa
