Penn State Expecting Starting Right Tackle to Return From Injury at USC

Penn State is expecting the return of another injured starter at USC on Saturday.

James Franklin said on Wednesday the Nittany Lions “anticipate” Anthony Donkoh, who has started at right tackle in all five games this season, to play against the Trojans. Donkoh exited in the first quarter against UCLA last weekend with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.

Donkoh was replaced by Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci, who handled a bulk of the work at right tackle for the remainder of the 27-17 win.

“We’re going to have bumps and bruises throughout the year, but we’ve been pleased with Donkoh, really since the bowl game,” Franklin said, “and Rucci was a nice piece to the puzzle to bring in, and he’ll continue to have a significant role for us moving forward.”

Donkoh was an active participant at Penn State’s practice viewing session on Wednesday, as was running back Nick Singleton, who was ruled inactive prior to kickoff with the Bruins.

Franklin said on Monday he is “very confident” that Singleton, the team’s leading rusher, will also play at USC.

Donkoh’s injury was the latest for an offensive line that has experienced a number of bumps and bruises the past two weeks. Sal Wormley, the starting right guard, exited with an injury against Illinois on Sept. 28. His replacement, JB Nelson, also left the game with an injury. Both Wormley and Nelson returned to action against UCLA.