Penn State's Brown could miss 2020 due to health issues

ALTOONA, Pa. -- It could be a lost season for Penn State running back Journey Brown while he receives treatment for an undisclosed medical condition that puts his 2020 season in jeopardy.

Rumors had been circulating for over a week about Brown's status for this season and late Monday night, the Nittany Lions released a statement confirming it.

"Journey Brown is being treated for a medical condition discovered during the off-season and will potentially miss the 2020 football season," Penn State said in the statement. 

As the feature back for the Nittany Lions, Brown rushed for 202 yards in Penn State's Cotton Bowl victory over Memphis last season. He took over as the starting back during the second half of the season and would earn a team-high 129 carries and 890 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

Brown, a redshirt junior, burst onto the scene after being behind Miles Sanders and Saquon Barkley on the depth chart following his arrival at Penn State. A Meadville, Pa. native, Brown was known for a 722-yard, 10-touchdown performance in high school, as well as excelling as a track athlete before committing to play for the Nittany Lions.

As late as Oct. 1, at Penn State's virtual media day, Brown had mentioned there was a moment where he considered skipping the 2020 season, but those thoughts never got to the point where he discussed them with any coaches, including running backs coach Ja'Juan Seider.

"I had thoughts, but I value Coach Seider's opinion very much and I feel like he knows what he's talking about," Brown said. "And he got me to this point, just coaching me. So I have full and (utmost) respect for him. So I wasn't even gonna consider leaving without talking to him and getting his opinion on it, regardless."

Even if Brown is not able to suit up this season, the Nittany Lions have a loaded running backs room, featuring sophomores Noah Cain and Devyn Ford.

Head coach James Franklin is scheduled to conduct his weekly press conference Tuesday, during which Brown's situation is sure to be discussed.

Update:

While Franklin didn't divulge many details he did make it clear that there is a possibility Brown will be back this season. There's also this Instagram video from Brown that was published to Twitter that seems to indicate he will be back sooner rather than later.