Penn State wrestling: Cael Sanderson quells injury concerns for true freshman star

No. 1 Penn State wrestling took care of No. 14 Rutgers with little trouble on Monday night, cruising to a 35-3 win in the annual BJC Dual. However, concerns emerged after the match for one of the Nittany Lions‘ rising true freshman stars, Tyler Kasak, who appeared to have suffered a potential head injury during his bout. This week, Cael Sanderson quelled any long-term concerns for Kasak’s health, providing an update on the freshman ahead of Sunday’s matchup with Nebraska.

Tyler Kasak faces potential scare during BJC Dual

Freshman sensation Tyler Kasak picked up a 7-5 decision over No. 25 Michael Cetta of Rutgers during Monday’s anticipated BJC Dual. During the bout, Cetta did a mat return to Kasak while riding him, and it looked like the freshman hit his head pretty hard on the mat. To the naked eye, Kasak appeared to be a bit stunned and looked somewhat off for the rest of the match.

After the match, Tyler Kasak was shown speaking to Cael Sanderson and the Penn State wrestling coaching staff on his way off the mat. However, it’s unclear if the conversation was in reference to a potential injury, or something else related to the dual. Obviously, any type of blow to the head raises a whole host of potential serious injury concerns that could have immediate and long-term consequences.

Cael Sanderson gives injury update on Penn State true freshman

Any long-term concerns about the health of Tyler Kasak were relieved Tuesday when Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson provided an update on the freshman’s status to the media.

“He was definitely concerned coming off the mat,” Sanderson said. “Our doctors saw him right away.”

Sanderson went on to praise the Penn State medical staff before reassuring that Kasak will be okay. “Dr. [Wayne] Sebastianelli was there, and Dan Monthley. You don’t compare people, but there’s not a better trainer in the country. So yeah, he’ll be fine.”

Tyler Kasak is slotted to take the mat on Sunday against his toughest opponent to date this season, No. 1 Ridge Lovett from Nebraska. We will have to see if Sanderson and the Penn State wrestling team take extra precautions and sit him for the dual.

If the true freshman does get the start at 149, it will be a good measuring stick to see exactly how far he has progressed this season and give an idea of what to expect in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments.

Penn State wrestling takes on No. 4 Nebraska on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. The dual will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.

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