Anthony Donkoh, Penn State football’s starting right tackle, has suffered a long-term injury, James Franklin announced Monday. Donkoh’s injury can with one week left in the regular season and less than a month before Penn State is expected to compete in the College Football Playoff.

Donkoh was helped off the field following an apparent leg injury during Penn State’s first drive in a 26-25 win at Minnesota. He soon rode a cart to the locker room and eventually returned wearing street clothes and using crutches.

The 6’5″, 330-pound redshirt freshman was making his 10th start of the season. He was replaced by redshirt junior Nolan Rucci.

The Aldie, Virginia, native has struggled with injuries this season. He was removed at Wisconsin last month and did not start the following week against Ohio State.

Donkoh was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award by the Maxwell Football Club earlier in November. According to Pro Football Focus, he hasn’t allowed a sack this season.

The 6’8,” 308-pound Rucci will likely see the majority of reps in Donkoh’s absence. The Wisconsin transfer and former five-star recruit from Lititz, Pennsylvania, is also capable of playing left tackle.

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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