Penn State’s James Franklin Optimistic for Return of TE Khalil Dinkins

Penn State could be returning an experienced offensive weapon against Bowling Green on Saturday. Khalil Dinkins, a redshirt junior tight end who played in 12 games last season, was an active participant at practice on Wednesday after missing the team’s season opener at West Virginia this past weekend.

James Franklin said he is optimistic for Dinkins to return, but other factors could weigh into his availability.

“He’s missed a ton of time, both mentally and physically, so we got to knock the rust off,” Franklin said after practice Wednesday. “And we’ll see — if he’s ready, he, as you guys have seen, can be a weapon for us. But if he’s not physically ready or mentally ready, then we feel like we got some guys … that we think can fill that role.”

It was a pair of tight ends, Andrew Rappleyea and former five-star freshman Luke Reynolds who filled Dinkins’ shoes against the Mountaineers. Rappleyea saw significant playing time, fielding 26 snaps, while Reynolds played 12 snaps in his first collegiate game.

Dinkins, who scored a pair of touchdowns last season, has been historically used as a key run-blocker and potential receiving threat alongside starter Tyler Warren. On Saturday, Rappleyea — who Franklin said “played really well” at West Virginia — could be asked once again to play Dinkins’ role if the veteran tight end is ruled out or limited.

“Football is very important to him. He works at it. He’s committed, he’s athletic, he’s a great route runner. He wants to be a physical tight end, which is something that’s very important to us here,” Franklin said of Rappleyea. “As you guys know, I keep saying Tyler Warren’s the most complete tight end in the country. I think Rap has a chance to be one of those guys, as well.”