Penn State football TE Pat Freiermuth returns to practice

After leaving the game without a return last week, Pat Freiermuth seems to be fine as he returns to practice.

It didn’t take much for Penn State football to come away with a victory last week. Although I wouldn’t consider the win to be effortless, as everybody had a hand in the dominant victory — but the first and even second-stringers didn’t need to remain on the field for long as the Nittany Lions were in control from start until finish.

By the time the early third quarter rolled around, James Franklin was ready to take out his key players. Guys like Sean Clifford, KJ Hamler, Ricky Slade and more were out on the offensive side of the ball. While those substitutions were by choice though, one player, in particular, didn’t return to the field due to suffering an injury.

Before halftime on Saturday, the Lions were in a prime spot to score once more before heading to the locker room. While they didn’t need the six points, another touchdown could’ve ended the starters afternoon right then and there, so they didn’t have to further risk their health coming out onto the field in the second half.

So Sean Clifford attempted to squeeze a pass in a tight window right at the goalline, intended for star tight end Pat Freiermuth. Unfortunately, Clifford’s throw was a bit off, which had Freiermuth stretching out in front of him trying to grab it with an extra effort. Suddenly, a defender went head-on with the tight end, who seemed defenseless on the play.

No flags were thrown by the refs, which caused James Franklin to throw a fit on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Penn State’s star tight end was slow to get up walking back to the sidelines. The Lions would head to the locker room not too long after and right then and there, Freiermuth’s afternoon was concluded.

Freiermuth came out with his team in the second half to hang out on the sidelines, but he wouldn’t get back in the game for obvious reasons. It’s unclear if he could’ve played or not if the game was closer, so Franklin was asked about Freiermuth’s status after the game. Coach Franklin respectfully declined to discuss the severity of the injury.

Up until Wednesday night, there still wasn’t much out there on the tight end’s injury. But as the local media entered the practice field, Pat Freiermuth was out on the field catching passes, fully suited up with the rest of the team. There’s still no definitive update on his status for Saturday, but if Freiermuth is cleared to suit up and practice, it could mean he will be suited up and playing in the game this Saturday.