Penn State linebacker Dominic DeLuca and running back Cam Wallace were not seen at practice Wednesday night after leaving last week’s win over Kent State with injuries.
Nittany Lions coach James Franklin said on Monday that he would address their injuries later in the week, but he declined to do so.
“I’m not prepared or ready to answer that question right now,” Franklin said Wednesday night.
DeLuca, a junior and a Wyoming Area grad, left the game in the first half, went to the injury tent and then to the locker room. He returned to the sideline in the second half without his helmet.
If DeLuca can’t play against Illinois Saturday at 7:30 (TV-NBC) at Beaver Stadium, converted safety DaKaari Nelson, redshirt freshman Ta’Mere Robinson and freshman Tony Speca might see increased playing time.
“Dakaari continues to get better,” Franklin said. “We’re planning on using Speca this week if we’re in that situation. We’re preparing him this week to be ready. Ta’Mere is continuing to do some really good things.
“We think we’re in a better position, but obviously we’d love to have all our guys ready to go.”
Wallace, a redshirt freshman, ran nine times for 39 yards for one touchdown before he was rolled up after a 2-yard gain in the fourth quarter. Medical personnel looked at both of his legs before he was carried off the field by teammates.
He was No. 3 on the depth chart behind Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Freshman Quinton Martin Jr. replaced Wallace and finished with 24 yards on seven carries.
Strong start: Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane has played very well in the first three games. The 6-4, 346-pound Ioane has played both guard positions and center.
“Vega has really been kind of the model since he’s shown up on campus,” Franklin said. “He is big. He is strong. He is physical. He is football smart. He is classroom smart. He was raised extremely well. He is very coachable.
“It’s unusual to have a guy play center who’s 350 pounds. He carries 350 pounds better than I’ve seen anyone carry 350 pounds. He’s having a really good year.”
Freshman flash: Freshman wide receiver Tyseer Denmark created a lot of buzz with his play during preseason camp.
He saw his first game action last week against Kent State and made the first catch of his career, a 13-yarder along the sideline on a pass from backup quarterback Beau Pribula.
The 5-10, 177-pound Denmark was a standout at Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia.
“He’s physically going to be able to play at this level,” quarterback Drew Allar said. “There’s no doubt about that. It’s just going to be learning the playbook. He’s done a great job of it so far.
“Tyseer has a lot of natural ability, a lot of natural twitchiness in and out of cuts. When you’re able to get the ball to him on the perimeter, he’s able to make guys miss.”
