Penn State defender alludes to injured veteran’s status with the program

The Penn State football team is missing one of its best players on defense at the moment. KJ Winston left the game early against Bowling Green in week two and has yet to return to the field. On Wednesday night, his teammate and fellow Nittany Lion safety Zakee Wheatley provided a small update on how Winston is doing.

KJ Winston is one of the most pro-ready players on the 2024 Penn State football roster. Unfortunately for him, his season has been cut short due to injury. James Franklin called it a ‘long-term’ injury but did not rule Winston out for the season. Following practice on Wednesday evening, Zakee Wheatley was asked about Winston’s current state.

“I’ve definitely been in contact with him,” Wheatley said. “He’s going through a lot in his situation right now. Really just trying to be there as a brother. Life isn’t all about football. Just being here for him right now.”

When asked if Winston is still attending meetings, Wheatley declined to answer the question.

Will Penn State survive without Winston?

Syndication: Hanover Evening Sun

The one silver lining on KJ Winston and his injury is the timing. Since he has been out since week two of the season, Penn State has been able to develop the youth. One of the players who has stepped up in Winston’s absence is freshman safety Dejuan Lane.

Next man up is what we hear all over the country, but it’s different when one of the leaders of the team is not on the field. Only time will tell how much Penn State misses Winston if he missed the USC and/or the Ohio State game. But Wheatley’s comments made it seem like he is currently dealing with a lot on the mental side of life at the moment.

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