What is the status of Penn State tight end Theo Johnson ahead of Auburn?
Penn State has been hoping to get tight end Theo Johnson back on the field. Will it happen this week? James Franklin has weighed in.
The third-year tight end was one of the topics the leader of the Lions was asked to address during his post-practice question and answer session with reporters on Wednesday night after reporters saw him at practice earlier in the evening. Johnson missed the first two games of the year for undisclosed reasons. On his radio show last week, Franklin said Johnson had “some bumps and bruises that we’re working through with the trainers. It’s not our call, that’s the trainers and the medical professionals.”
What did he say as the Lions now sit just a few days away from battling Auburn inside of Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday?
“We’re hopeful,” Franklin said.
“No final decisions have been made yet. But, we’re hopeful. He’s been doing a little bit more each day and each week. So, we’re hopeful.”
Thus, from the sound of it, the medical team will decide yet again if Johnson can suit up on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
More: Penn State football practice notes and observations: Lions continue Auburn week prep
Johnson, Penn State tight ends, played big role against the Tigers last season
Penn State hosted Auburn last year. The Lions won, 28-20. The home team came out victorious in that matchup for many reasons. Tight end play was one of them. Brenton Strange led the position group with four catches for 71 yards and a touchdown on that night at Beaver Stadium. Johnson had a catch for 37 yards. And, Tyler Warren rushed for a touchdown. The group also had numerous critical plays in the run game as the Lions scored twice on the ground in the non-conference win.
Penn State will have to fire on all cylinders to beat the Tigers. It is a three-point road favorite. Auburn is 2-0 but did not look in top form during its win over San Jose State last weekend. Regardless, Saturday’s home team will run at will, which is something Penn State has not seen yet this season. And, the offense will have to operate in front of a hostile, sold-out SEC crowd.
“It’s going to be a challenge,” Franklin said Tuesday. “Obviously, this is their orange out. Kind of listen to all their press conferences and watched all those things, talked to a lot of people that have played there and been a part of that environment. I’ve been there before as well and played there before.
“So getting our players prepared for what that will look like and what that’s going to be.”
