Franklin updates Nittany Lions' key injuries, absences

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Starting defensive end Torrence Brown was carted off the field Saturday during the Lions' win against Georgia State and James Franklin said he'll have "more information down the line" on the redshirt junior's availability.

Now, that information won't be available after the Nittany Lions' Wednesday practice either, the head coach said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. Brown was on the sideline in street clothes during the second half after taking a hit to his right knee and walked with a noticeable limp. He was slated to undergo an MRI Sunday afternoon.



Franklin typically doesn't address injuries unless they're season ending, but should Brown miss any significant time, he'd be the second starter to do so. Starting cornerback John Reid sustained a knee injury in spring ball and hasn't played this season. Franklin won't provide a timetable on Reid's return and it's one that realistically might not even happen this season.

Should Brown not play this week, look for Ryan Buchholz to take on a bigger role. Reserves Colin Castagna and Shane Simmons should factor in as well. Buchholz was a productive part of the defense in the Lions' season opening win and in the past showed that he could bounce inside if need be. In the offseason Buchholz worked to keep his weight a little lighter than it was last season in anticipation of playing more on the edge this season.

Penn State does expect to have two key players back for this Saturday night's game at Iowa, Franklin said.

Sophomore linebacker Cam Brown and starting offensive lineman Brendan Mahon were both dressed and didn't play a snap against Georgia State. Franklin said after the Georgia State game that he expected Mahon to be available this week and reiterated that on Tuesday.

"We expect Mahon and Cam Brown back," Franklin said.

It's unclear why both didn't see the field against the Panthers. Franklin did say last week on his weekly radio show that there was a fight at practice last week, but he highlighted the fight as a positive. It's unclear if it's even related to why the two didn't play.

Brown, a reserve linebacker, also plays on multiple special teams units, while Mahon's physicality in the run game is something Franklin said the Lions missed during the Georgia State game. Without Mahon, redshirt freshman Will Fries earned his first career start while starting guard Steven Gonzalez flipped to the other side of the line. Moving Gonzalez "affected him a little bit," Franklin said.

"I think not having Mahon last week caused some challenges for us," Franklin said.