Short-Term or Long-Term? James Franklin Classifies Nicholas Singleton’s Injury

Originally posted on Nittany Sports Now | By Joe Smeltzer | Last updated Nov 11, 2024 1:43 PM ET

Penn State fans have been wondering about RB Nicholas Singleton’s status since the end of Saturday night’s game against Washington, and coach James Franklin revealed more about the situation Monday, classifying the injury.

The good news for Penn State and its fans is that Franklin said Singleton is dealing with a “short-term injury.”

As expected, Franklin either couldn’t or wouldn’t confirm whether Singleton— who leads Penn State with 543 rushing yards and has scored three touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry— would be available for this Saturday’s game at Purdue. He also repeated what he said after the Washington game, which is that media would know more about Singleton’s status Wednesday, during its weekly viewing window.

THE INJURY

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Nicholas Singleton

Penn State played the nine last nine and a half minutes of its 35-6 demolition of Washington at Beaver Stadium in White Out conditions Saturday night without one of its best players, and James Franklin was asked about it afterward.

Singleton didn’t touch the ball for the last nine-plus minutes and wasn’t seen on the sideline.

In coach the coach’s postgame presser, he was asked about Singleton’s status. Anybody who has ever listened to Franklin talk about injuries is probably has a good idea of what he said— not much— but he did seem to confirm that Singleton is hurt.

LIFE WITHOUT SINGLETON

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Nick Singleton

Penn State has played one game without Singleton, and it didn’t go well for the running game. Against UCLA Oct. 5, the team rushed for 85 yards on and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Singleton is also a threat in the passing game (19 receptions, 204 yards, four touchdowns). Penn State might not need Singleton to beat 1-8 Purdue next week but it will need him for the team to make noise in the College Football Playoff.

Penn State is a good bet to beat 1-8 Purdue Saturday at 3:30 on CBS.

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

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