Penn State safety KJ Winston’s status is uncertain for Kent State game

The status of injured Penn State junior safety KJ Winston for the Nittany Lions’ game against Kent State remained uncertain.

Winston tied a career high with 12 tackles in the season-opening win at West Virginia before he sustained an undefined injury in the first half against Bowling Green on Sept. 7. He did not return.

“I don’t really have any new information to share with you guys at this stage,” Penn State coach James Franklin said Monday. “I probably will when I see you guys later in the week (after practice Wednesday night).”

Winston, who’s in his second season as a starter, and fellow safeties Jaylen Reed and Zakee Wheatley started the first two games in defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s 4-2-5 alignment.

After Winston left the Bowling Green game, Reed moved back to Winston’s position with Cam Miller, who has mostly played cornerback, replacing him. In addition, freshman Dejuan Lane played at safety when Winston was out.

“Dae Dae (Lane) is the next guy we’ve been trying to get reps,” Franklin said. “That’ll be important. We’re trying to get Dae Dae more involved. We’re going to have to develop a few more guys.”

Winston is believed to have suffered a leg injury. Penn State and Franklin have a policy to not detail and describe injuries. With the Lions playing 49-point underdog Kent State Saturday at 3:30 at Beaver Stadium, it seems that Winston would sit if there’s any doubt about his status.

“We’ll see timing-wise how this whole thing plays out,” Franklin said.

Green light: Freshman tight end Luke Reynolds has played in the first two games and likely will continue to see significant playing time after Andrew Rappleyea suffered a “long-term” injury.

The 6-4, 248-pound Reynolds was considered one of the top 10 tight ends in the 2024 recruiting class. He’s added considerable…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-safety-kj-winston-034700717.html

Author : Reading Eagle, Pa.

Publish date : 2024-09-17 03:47:00

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