Penn State Football, James Franklin Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Penn State Starting Offensive Lineman Out with ‘Long-Term’ Injury

Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Robert Shields | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 4:31 PM ET

Penn State Football head coach James Franklin announced during his weekly press conference Monday that starting right tackle Anthony Donkoh will be out with a “long term” injury.

Donkoh left Penn State’s game Saturday early in the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers seemingly with a right leg injury and did not return. He was seen late in the game on the sideline on crutches.

Donkoh has been injured a few times this season, dealing with an upper-body injury against USC in October and then another injury against Wisconsin later that month.

After rotating with Nolan Rucci against Ohio State, Donkoh returned to his usual starting role at right tackle before getting injured on Penn State’s first drive against Minnesota.

How Penn State Football Will Replace Anthony Donkoh

Nolan Rucci, Penn State Football Penn State offensive lineman Nolan Rucci (72) lines up at right tackle during the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in State College. The White team defeated the Blue team, 27-0.

Penn State Football will turn to transfer tackle Nolan Rucci in Donkoh’s absence through the final game of the regular season and the College Football Playoff.

Franklin noted that “We sure are glad [Rucci’s] on our team. Felt that way all year long.” Rucci is the former number one overall player in Pennsylvania and a former five-star recruit.

Rucci has rotated with Donkoh throughout the season as Penn State’s backup right tackle. Rucci got extended run earlier this season against his former team at Wisconsin when Donkoh missed the second half with injury.

This article first appeared on Nittany Central and was syndicated with permission.

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