Penn State receiver Parker Washington will miss the remainder of the 2022 season, James Franklin says
Piscataway, N.J. — Penn State receiver Parker Washington did not travel with the Lions to Rutgers on Saturday. Now, we know why that was the case.
Head coach James Franklin confirmed on Tuesday that an Washington’s season is over. He will miss both this week’s regular-season finale against Michigan State and also the Lions’ to-be-determined bowl game opponent. Franklin did not say it. But, it’s believed an injury is the reason why.
“Parker Washington will be done for the season,” Franklin said. “I did have that conversation with him and his mom. I wanted to make sure I covered it with them first and make sure everyone was comfortable with it.”
Washington finishes his third season at Penn State with 46 catches for 611 yards and two touchdowns. The Sugar Land, Tex., native also returned 18 punts for 99 yards in 2022. He is the team’s leading receiver with two games to go but will likely be passed by the time the season ends.
Who must step up this week and beyond?
Mitchell Tinsley will now become the Lions’ leading receiver. KeAndre Lambert-Smith will need to step up, as well. Harrison “Tre” Wallace also played an increased number of snaps against the Scarlet Knights. Expect to see more of Omari Evans and Liam Clifford, as well.
Penn State-Michigan State is set for 4 p.m. on FOX Sports One. Noah Eagle and Mark Helfrich will have the call.
Will Washington return to Penn State?
Washington has been facing a postseason decision all year. He is eligible to enter the NFL Draft. But, he always had the opportunity to return for another season. It’s unknown which way he was leaning prior to the injury. But, that setback might all but force him to play another season at Penn State.
Lions receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield believes professional scouts already have plenty of good film on Washington, though, and he thinks the receiver will be successful in the NFL whenever he ends up there despite his size; Washington is just 5-foot-10, 212 pounds.
“At the next level, you have to be able to run, you have to be able to get open and you have to be able to catch the ball,” Stubblefield said last Thursday.
“Those are some of the things that he does extremely well. Sometimes with guys his size you have to be elite, and his hands are absolutely elite. So if given that opportunity to play at the next level, I have full confidence that Parker will be a huge asset to any NFL team.”
