Injuries have been a major problem for the Nittany Lions this season. For a team that is thin at several positions, it seems like the biggest detriment to their immediate success is themselves. Now, they have to contend with another injury, this time in a position group that can ill afford many more losses. It was announced today that sophomore linebacker Alex Tatsch will be out for the season after an injury sustained before the game against USC.
This is a devastating blow not just because of Tatsch's versatility but because Tatsch was quite literally the biggest depth option the blue and white could turn to. While he had also struggled with injuries before the season's start, forcing him to miss the opener, he was key in terms of rotation, especially when it came to the first three games. He played 24 snaps in the Temple game and 33 against Buffalo, proving that he could have been an option to allow this group to truly settle in. Now, headed into a crucial game against Michigan before a bye week, questions will arise about how the Nittany Lions will adjust to this news.
"Obviously right now we are stressed a little bit at that linebacker room," Campbell said of the loss. "With losing Alex here, really tough blow for Alex first and foremost and tough blow for us because of the type of player he's becoming."What this could mean could be twofold. Either Caleb Bacon, the transfer from Iowa State who converted from the position to defensive end, returns to that group, or Matt Campbell could choose some younger options to help the squad. Guys like Cam Smith and LaVar Arrington II could factor in to the rotation after they come back from injury, but for the most part, the three presumed startes should remain: Tony Rojas, Cael Brezina, and Kooper Ebel.
Still, it will be importnat for Campbell to allow some of those guys some rest, especially Rojas considering the role he plays in this defense. While the loss of Tatsch can be worked with, Penn State fans had better hope it does not lead to the further detriment of those already playing a lot of snaps.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State LB out for rest of season