No. 7 Penn State football sarting linebacker Tony Rojas sustained a long-term injury ahead of Week 6 at UCLA. Rojas was ruled out indefinitely for the remainder of the season with more information to follow as the injury progresses. In his place, three-time captain and fan favorite Dominic DeLuca was tasked with stepping into that starting role.
In the second quarter, injury struck that linebacker spot again as DeLuca winced in pain and brought himself down onto the field. The Nittany Lion staff came out to assist him.
Dominic DeLuca goes down with a short-lived injury in Week 6 at UCLA
On the play that caused the injury, the Bruins receiver was attempting to extend his team's lead with his eyes on the end zone. However, DeLuca put his shoulder down and delivered the hit that halted UCLA from adding another touchdown to its lead. Though he saved Penn State momentarily from being down 10, DeLuca put himself in harms way and felt the sting immediately after.
The linebacker turned around after the play, still standing, in pain. After putting himself on the ground and picking himself back up with the help of the staff, DeLuca went to the sidelines while the game went on.
Luckily for the Nittany Lions, DeLuca walked it off for a couple snaps and returned to the field on that same drive. However, injuries no matter how small are not what Penn State needs. Especially with Rojas out indefinitely, the defense needs to stay as healthy as possible. The Nittany Lions' defensive depth only goes so far.
Against the Bruins, the defense already struggled in the first half. It allowed two touchdowns, including one on the drive DeLuca had to remove himself from for a short time, and one field goal from an onside kick recovery that sent fans into another critic frenzy.