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Penn State

James Franklin updates injury situation with Hunter Nourzad

On3 imageby: Andrew Graham09/28/22AndrewEdGraham
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Penn State offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad. (Greg Pickel/Blue-White Illustrated)

The left guard position at Penn State should be getting reinforcements soon. Head coach James Franklin offered an update on redshirt senior Hunter Nourzad, who missed Saturday’s game against Central Michigan.

Nourzad probably could’ve played if necessary, Franklin said, as he was just dealing with some aggravated “bumps and bruises.” But they were comfortable holding Nourzad for the week and letting sophomore JB Nelson get some run, instead.

Yeah, bumps and bruises and we felt like if we could hold him out last week, we’d be able to get him back this week. The good thing is JB came in and played really well. We were excited about how he practiced and we’re excited about how he ended up playing in the game. We’re going to try to keep the plan the same, if possible, if we can stay healthy enough to do it,” Franklin said.

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Penn State has gone with a rotation at left guard featuring Nourzad and Landon Tengwall. With Nourzad marginal to play against the Nittany Lions final non-conference opponent, it seemed logical to Franklin and his staff to get Nelson some reps and experience.

“But, had some bumps and bruises last week that we felt like he could’ve played, but it made a whole lot more sense for us and for him to try to hold him if we could. And then JB practiced and played so well, it was the right decision. And we’ll see how this week goes. We’re hoping to have him back. If we don’t, then we feel confident that JB will be able to go in and do the job,” Franklin said.

So if Nourzad makes it through this week of practice in good shape, expect him in the lineup for the Nittany Lions against Northwestern this weekend and certainly for Penn State’s next game, at Michigan on Oct. 15. If not, or if he’s banged up in the future, Nelson will be on hand for Penn State.

“But that’s kind of how that’s going to play out, each week, in a perfect world,” Franklin said.