As players were warming up for the game between Penn State and Maryland, a couple of key defensive leaders were noticeably absent from the normal routine. Cornerback [autotag]Joey Porter Jr.[/autotag] and linebacker [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] were each seen on the field out of uniform, and they are unavailable for the home game against the Terrapins.
There is no indication why Porter Jr. is unavailable, as he had been fully active as recently as last week’s game at Indiana. [autotag]Johnny Dixon[/autotag] got the start in Porter’s absence on the first defensive series for the Nittany Lions.
Jacobs was injured in last week’s game at Indiana, and his participation in the game was extremely limited as a result. His absence from the Maryland game is far less surprising as a result. The specifics of his injury, however, were not made available.
Abdul Carter will fill in for Jacobs, which should still give Penn State a solid option leading the defensive effort at linebacker.