Penn State head coach James Franklin downplays the team's injury concerns ahead of the 2025 season.
The Penn State Nittany Lions are coming off a tough loss to close out the 2024-2025 season. Due to the new playoff format, Penn State was on the doorstep of making a deep run, but came up frustratingly short against Notre Dame.
Heading into a massive 2025 season, head coach James Franklin was asked about the team's list of injuries and whether it would be a concern going forward.
Tyler Donohue of Lions247 shared Franklin's response, that while "The injury list is not great right now," there is still reason for optimism in the long term for Penn State.
"The injury list is not great right now," James Franklin says, but he clarifies that it's largely Penn State players who remain "limited" after recovering from injuries sustained last season.
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) August 2, 2025
Padded practices await to determine whether they are "full go" for complete contact.
"But (James Franklin) clarifies that it's largely Penn State players who remain 'limited' after recovering from injuries sustained last season." Donohue writes, "Padded practices await to determine whether they are 'full go' for complete contact."
Penn State saw a few key players suffer injuries during the 2024 season. Right tackle Anthony Donkoh, defensive end Zuriah Fisher, linebacker Tony Rojas, tight end Andrew Rappleyea, defensive tackle Alonzo Ford, quarterback Jaxon Smolik, and running back Cam Wallace are all set to return from injury this season.
MORE: Penn State rival says Nittany Lions are 'natty or bust' in 2025
While it's a long list of players coming back from injury, their return isn't a huge concern for Franklin. They're "limited" at the moment and poised to return to regular workloads as the season approaches.
If this list of players were those who were hurt in the offseason or during practices, then there would be more reason to be concerned. But that's not the case with these injuries, as the bulk are those who were banged up at some point in 2024.
Injuries in football are unavoidable, but the ones that Penn State is dealing with right now aren't a major concern. It's worrisome in a vacuum thanks to the long list of players who are banged up and limited, but those players didn't just get hurt, they're at the end of their road to recovery.
MORE NCAAF NEWS:
- It only gets easier for Texas after heavyweight OSU matchup
- New Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles earns high praise
- Ranking the 16 greatest Alabama players of all time
- Penn State rival says Nittany Lions are 'natty or bust' in 2025
- Michigan starting quarterback still an 'open competition' according to Sherrone Moore
Category: General Sports
