Penn State football injury update: WR Kaden Saunders back at practice, ‘hopeful’ to play Week 1, says James Franklin

After being hampered by “bumps and bruises” throughout the month of August, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Kaden Saunders may be on the mend in time to take the field for James Franklin and Penn State football in Saturday’s season opener against West Virginia.

Saunders was not seen during August 20’s practice viewing period. However, the young Nittany Lion pass-catcher was back in full pads on Wednesday evening.

On Monday, James Franklin used his characteristic “bumps and bruises” terminology when discussing Kaden Saunders, as he often does with Nittany Lions suffering from undisclosed, non-season-ending injuries.

“Kaden has some bumps and bruises that he has missed some time, and we are working through that right now,” Franklin told reporters during his weekly press conference. “Obviously, we’re hopeful that he’ll be able to go this week and be full-go and be able to factor in for us.”

Penn State WR Kaden Saunders is here at practice. pic.twitter.com/uMLrkjxkfJ

— Jon Sauber (@JonSauber) August 28, 2024

As a redshirt freshman, Kaden Saunders caught six passes for 56 yards and one score through 12 games last fall. The Ohio native also served as the primary punt returner for Penn State football to start 2023, totaling 86 yards on 14 returns.

A four-star from Westerville South in the suburbs of Columbus, Saunders was a top 100 prospect in the 2022 cycle per the On3 Industry Rankings.

Penn State tight end remains out of view as battle with injuries persists

© Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

On the less optimistic side of the “bumps and bruises” discussion, redshirt junior tight end Khalil Dinkins was absent from Wednesday’s practice viewing window. In mid-August, James Franklin noted that Dinkins was also battling injuries.

“He’s had some bumps and bruises as well and missed some time,” Franklin said. “But he is a big, strong, fast, aggressive guy. He’s been productive in the amount of reps he’s been able to get, but he’s missed some time. We need to get him back soon because I think he has a chance to be a big part of our offense.”

However, Franklin did not comment further when asked directly about Dinkins’ status on Wednesday. Instead, he chose to highlight redshirt freshman Andrew Rappleyea and true freshman Luke Reynolds.

“Yeah, I think you’ll see a ton of Rappleyea,” Franklin said. “I also think you will see a decent amount of Luke in this first game. I think Rap, as you guys know, there’s been excitement about him since last year. He just continues to develop and get better.

“I think Tyler’s [Warren] influence on all those guys has been really good. And Luke has come in and done exactly what you want and has pushed those guys, too. So he’s a mature guy. They’ll have a role in this Game 1, too.”

Kickoff between Penn State football and the West Virginia Mountaineers is set for noon ET on FOX.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned, community-operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on social media.