Penn State’s preparation is in full swing ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten Championship against Oregon. Among the Nittany Lions active during a practice viewing window open to local media on Wednesday were two players whose status has been unclear ahead of the weekend.
Harrison Wallace III, the team’s leading wide receiver, and cornerback Elliot Washington II were both present and actively participating at Wednesday’s practice.
James Franklin said on Sunday he was “hopeful” Wallace would be able to play against the Ducks. Wallace, who leads all Penn State wide receivers with 35 receptions and 579 receiving yards, “tweaked something” in the week leading up to the team’s 44-10 win over Maryland this past Saturday. He suited up, but did not play against the Terrapins.
In Wallace’s absence, Omari Evans led the team’s wide receivers with four receptions for 49 yards. Tyseer Denmark, a true freshman, caught his first career touchdown catch as regulation expired, his lone reception of the day. Julian Fleming and Liam Clifford, who have both been inconsistent contributors this season, caught one pass each.
Washington has been ruled out of the Nittany Lions’ past two games. He has 19 tackles, an interception and a tackle for loss on the year, and leads the team with five pass deflections.
Washington’s practice participation is a promising sign for a defensive back room low on depth. A.J. Harris and Jalen Kimber remain the team’s two starting cornerbacks, and Washington would likely serve as the No. 3 option at the position if he were to return on Saturday.
