Penn State football safety K.J. Winston has suffered an injury and will be out “long-term,” James Franklin announced at his weekly media availability Wednesday. He’s the second Nittany Lion known to have suffered a long-term injury this season, as Franklin announced tight end Andrew Rappleyea will also be out for a while.

Due to his injury, Winston was removed during the Bowling Green game. His 13 tackles thus far rank second on the team, and he also forced one fumble.

Winston’s injury will damage the Penn State secondary, which relied on the projected first-round draft pick as its most key element. However, Franklin said Winston’s work as a leader won’t be interrupted.

“I don’t think it impacts leadership a whole lot because he’s still going to be heavily involved there,” Franklin said. “I think we’ve talked a decent amount about [Dejuan] Lane, so that’ll have a huge impact on him and the reps that he’s getting and where he’s at. And then we’re trying to figure out that next guy right now.”

Franklin mentioned Lane and Antoine Belgrave-Shorter as two potential replacements. He specifically said Lane was a player the coaching staff was focused on during his weekly Monday press conference.

The Nittany Lions host Kent State at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, at Beaver Stadium. 

About the Author

Nolan Wick

Nolan wrote for Onward State from 2021 until 2025. He mainly covered Penn State football, men’s hockey, and baseball, and he was also an associate editor. A Silver Spring, Maryland, native, Nolan is an avid D.C. sports and Liverpool fan. You can follow him on Twitter @nolan_wick.

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