With the first week of preseason wrapped up and the second kicking off Friday, Aug. 15, ESPN updated its NFL injury list and estimated return dates. Former Penn State football players Mike Gesicki, Kevin Givens, Daequan Hardy, Joey Porter Jr., Jaylen Reed, and Miles Sanders are expected to return anywhere between their team's second preseason game to the start of 2025 regular season.
Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons has expectedly remained MIA. Jerry Jones continues dragging his feet in the contract dispute. While Parsons is not playing due to a "back injury," the defensive end will be back in action once his contract extension is finalized.
Mike Gesicki - Undisclosed
Gesicki did not play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday and though his injury is undisclosed, FOX Sports reported that he appears to have a hamstring or upper leg injury and was listed as questionable. The 2014-17 Penn State tight end is estimated to return for the Cinncinati Bengals' game against the Washington Commanders on Monday, Aug. 18.
Kevin Givens - Pectoral
The defensive tackle, as of Aug. 4, is expected to miss the start of the season with a pectoral injury. He was sidelined for the remainder of training camp and did not play in the San Francisco 49ers first preseason game against the Denver Broncos. ESPN has the 2015-18 Nittany Lion listed as questionable with an estimated Sept. 7 return.
Daequan Hardy - Shoulder
The 2020-23 cornerback and special teams Nittany Lion is listed as questionable on the Buffalo Bills' injury list. On Aug. 9 against the New York Giants, Hardy suffered a shoulder injury and was doubtful to return. After a punt return, he was taken off the field for X-rays. According to ESPN, Hardy is estimated to return Aug. 17 for Buffalo's second preseason game against the Chicago Bears.
Joey Porter Jr. - Hand
Porter Jr. was limited in Aug. 5's training camp practice due to a hand injury. He was cleared to wear pads that Tuesday, according to FOX Sports, but did not play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first preseason game. ESPN has the 2019-22 Penn State cornerback listed as questionable and is estimated to return Aug. 16 for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jaylen Reed - Ankle
The 2021-24 Nittany Lion injured his ankle during training camp and was faced with a three-week recovery timetable, according to ESPN's injury list. Reed is listed as questionable, but will not return for the remainder of the Houston Texans' preseason. The safety has an estimated return date of Sept. 7.
Miles Sanders - Knee
The running back suffered a knee injury and was sidelined the last few training camp in Oxnard. On Aug. 11, it was reported that after missing the first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 9, Sanders made significant progress in recovery and could potentially be available for Aug. 16's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The 2016-18 Nittany Lion is listed as questionable.