Penn State star Chop Robinson is not expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering an undisclosed injury and being carted off the field at Ohio State.
Robinson’s status for Penn State’s game this Saturday against Indiana is unclear. But the preseason All-American defensive end should be back at some point this year, James Franklin said at his Tuesday news conference.
“From what I understand and what I see and what I know, I don’t see this being a long-term issue,” Franklin said. “You never know when it comes to medical. But hopefully we’ll be getting Chop back here soon.
“As you guys know, I’m pretty open when it’s a season-ending injury. I don’t see that.”
Robinson went down in the first half of the 20-12 loss to Ohio State. He immediately reacted with pain and stayed down on the turf after a collision with Buckeyes lineman Matthew Jones.
Penn State’s medical staff worked on Robinson while he was on his stomach, rolling him onto his back and helping him sit up. Robinson was assisted to the sideline by a trainer and Nittany Lions tight end and captain Theo Johnson. Robinson went into the medical tent before being carted off the field with a towel over his head.
The nature of Robinson’s injury was not addressed by Franklin, though it was a scary moment.
Robinson coming back into the fold would be a big boost to Penn State’s pass rush. He’s one of the best edge rushers in college football and is widely considered a first-round NFL talent.
Robinson, a former five-star prospect who transferred from Maryland ahead of the 2022 season, has been a force. He had 10 tackles for loss and 5½ sacks last year and has continued to create havoc in the backfield more than halfway through the 2023 season. Robinson has five TFLs and three sacks this year while his consistent pressure has been invaluable.
If Robinson can’t play this weekend, Dani Dennis-Sutton will likely step up in his place and start opposite Adisa Isaac. Isaac has been dominant with 9½ TFLs and 5½ sacks through seven games, while Dennis-Sutton, a former five-star himself, has shown flashes of brilliance.
Backup defensive end Amin Vanover was also injured at Ohio State. His status was not addressed by Franklin or asked about in the Tuesday news conference.
Penn State has veteran Zuriah Fisher at its disposal, as well as true freshman Jameial Lyons. The latter has appeared in two games and projects as a redshirt candidate.
