What did James Franklin say about Tony Rojas' injury, next steps for Penn State at linebacker, on Wednesday?

Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas missed some of last Saturday’s loss to Oregon after leaving the field in the first half with an apparent injury. However, the Virginia native was off the field for just part of one drive. Then, he returned to play and ultimately took 70 of a possible 80 defensive snaps for the Lions, finishing with seven tackles and a pass breakup in the 30-24 double overtime setback.

There was no indication throughout or after the game that Rojas had any lingering issues related to whatever had sidelined him. But, after not being seen by reporters at practice on Wednesday night, Blue-White Illustrated was first to report that the junior will miss significant time with a long-term injury. Penn State has not said when the injury in question occurred. Head coach James Franklin then addressed the news following his team’s fourth practice of the week.

“Obviously, not good,” Franklin said when asked about how the last couple of days have been for Rojas. “Personally, disappointment, and then disappointment with the team, as well. Guys will rally around him and support him like we’ve done in the past. This isn’t the first time we’ve been through something like this. And, he’s not the last player to go through something like this.

“The hardest part is the initial shock of it and the initial news of it. But, the next guy is going to have to step up. And the sooner that Tony can get involved in helping prepare those guys, the better we’ll be and the better he’ll be, because it will keep him busy and engaged, too.”

Your Blue-White Illustrated membership starts at just $1 a week for the first year – and we’ll throw in a complimentary year of access to The Athletic.

Assessing the Penn State linebacker picture ahead of UCLA

Rojas is No. 3 on the Penn State defense in snaps, per PFF. He has 176 through four games. That is the second-most among linebackers. Only newcomer Amare Campbell, who leads the team with 194, has more. Dom DeLuca is the next Lions linebacker to play. But, his snap count is only at 95 through four games. The next player at the position is Anthony Speca at 47. Keon Wylie is next at 44. Freshman Alex Tatsch is likely to be more part of the mix moving forward, too.

Trimmings: How does Penn State deal with the loss of Tony Rojas at linebacker?

It goes without saying that, with Rojas out, the Lions will need to turn to some players whom they have previously not felt comfortable enough with to play more at linebacker. They will have to include some of the names mentioned above, besides Campbell and DeLuca, and freshman Cam Smith could join Tatsch in factoring in, as well.

“Obviously, Dom will step into [Rojas’] role, and obviously, we’re having discussions about greenlighting possibly both [Alex] Tatsch and Cam [Smith],” Franklin said. “What’s helpful is, we’ve had these Sunday [scout team] scrimmages, so we’ve had a chance to evaluate those guys each week. Early on, Tatsch was getting a little bit more time with the varsity. We’re giving Cam an opportunity now, as well, bouncing those guys back and forth between the d-squad and varsity.

“They’re going to have an opportunity. This is how it is in college football. One of those guys will hopefully get some work this week, we’ll get a chance to evaluate them during practice, and then hopefully some of those guys will get an opportunity during the game on Saturday.”

Want breaking news like this delivered straight to your inbox for FREE? Sign up today for the BWI breaking newsletter! You’ll also get daily updates with the top headlines of the day five times a week. Click here to sign-up!