James Franklin: Practice absence has no impact on star Penn State running back’s availability

James Franklin and Penn State football were without one of their top offensive playmakers during Wednesday night’s practice. Star running back Nicholas Singleton was not seen during the media’s practice viewing window as the Nittany Lions prepare to host UCLA this weekend.

But evidently, there’s no current concern inside the Lasch Building that Singleton will miss Saturday’s contest against the Bruins.

“No, not at this stage,” James Franklin said when asked following practice if the issue that held Singleton out Wednesday could impact his availability. However, the Nittany Lions head coach was unwilling to divulge more information.

“No [there’s nothing further to share], which I think for 11 years I haven’t told you guys anything,” Franklin told the media. “Really, I’d love to talk about that at some point; why you have to ask if I’m not going to answer.

“You’re wasting a question in my mind. But that’s your job. I don’t understand it. I’d like to understand it better sometime.”

Singleton was made available to the media on Tuesday morning.

Regarding the absence of Penn State running back Nick Singleton at practice today, here is the post practice exchange between @MarkXBrennan and James Franklin… https://t.co/hzEtFqAmri pic.twitter.com/bB9yJF4YNm

— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) October 2, 2024

Against Illinois, Nicholas Singleton ran for 94 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. He has 408 yards on 53 rushes this year – an average of 7.7 yards a carry – and three scores.

Singleton and his backfield partner Kaytron Allen now join Lydell Mitchell and Franco Harris as the only teammates in Penn State football history to each rush for 2,000 yards in their careers. Allen (2,058 career yards) eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark versus the Fighting Illini, while Singleton (2,221 career yards) did so earlier this season against Bowling Green.

Penn State football and UCLA kick off at noon on Saturday inside Beaver Stadium. The game will air on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.

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Franklin: Practice absence has no impact on star RB’s availability