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Drew Allar injury update: Penn State QB has 'successful surgery', ESPN reports, is 'on track for a full recovery'

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel21 hours agoGregPickel
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Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) looks to throw a pass during the third quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar ‘underwent successful surgery on Wednesday on his broken left ankle,’ ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. The outlet’s senior college football writer adds that Allar is “on track for a full recovery, as his timeline to return working out will be sometime in the upcoming months.”

Allar suffered the ankle injury on the Lions’ penultimate snap on offense in last Saturday’s 22-21 loss to Northwestern. He was crunched by two Wildcats while scrambling for a first down. FS1’s video replay showed one of the defenders landing on Allar’s ankle and sending it in a direction it is not supposed to go. After spending time with trainers on the Beaver Stadium turf, he eventually hobbled off. Later, a cart took him to the Penn State locker room. Shortly after the game, former Lions coach James Franklin said Allar would be out for the rest of the year. That makes redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer the team’s new starting quarterback.

When Allar can return to working out will be of interest to both NFL teams and draft observers. Previously a projected potential first-round pick, his stock was already falling before the injury. Much work remains to secure the best possible landing spot. And, it obviously cannot begin until he is medically cleared to get back on the field.

More: The Penn State Football Coaching Hot Board, v. 2.0

“I love Drew,” Lions offensive lineman TJ Shanahan said last Saturday. “He’s a great leader. He’s a great person. And I think he’s one hell of a quarterback. So, I mean, it just sucks to get that news for a guy that has worked so hard all season just to be the best person he can be and be the best leader he can be. So like, my heart goes out. We’re going to just be there for him. And, you know, I know [Ethan Grunkemeyer] is next up. So, you know, just being there for him too, as he kind of transitions into the role he’s going to transition into. And just, I got nothing but love for Drew.”

Grunkemeyer will be making his first college start on Saturday at Iowa. He will take his 40th snap at this level when the Lions’ attack first takes the field at Kinnick Stadium.

“He seems to be adjusting well,” Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith said Wednesday night. “He’s doing good, making all the right checks. I’m kind of excited to see him. I think he’s going to give us a bolt of energy. And, you know, I’m looking forward to it.”