Injuries are something every team must deal with at some point in the season. But the Nittany Lions were hoping they would not have to deal with such problems so soon.

-- Hit hardest by the injury bug is the fullback position. Heading into fall practice, three candidates had emerged as potential starters. Instead of fighting for the starting job, all three are fighting to stay healthy.

Senior Brian O'Neal was the projected starter but has since broken a bone in his right foot. Sophomore Jon Witman and junior Brian Milne were both sidelined with concussions for much of the past week's practices.

Offensive coordinator Fran Ganter said that while Witman has already begun practicing, Milne returned yesterday for the first time since his concussion, which he sustained during a scrimmage last Saturday. Ganter added that O'Neal's injury may keep him out a bit longer.

"At the end of 10 days, we'll have a real good idea if this thing is going to be a persistent problem and maybe have to have it surgically repaired," Ganter said. "And if it's fine let's let him practice."

-- Senior tight end Ryan Grube is out for the season after a serious knee injury. Because he had red-shirted previously, the injury means that Grube's playing career as a Nittany Lion is over.

Ganter said that although senior Kyle Brady is now the starter, the tight end position will be ready if an injury befalls him.

"I think it's just important that the younger kids come on. They're the guys now," Ganter said. "It's their time because it could be one play --one play and Kyle goes down and we have to have a good football player ready to be there."

-- One other injury of note was suffered by freshman kicker Brett Conway. Conway sprained his right knee -- his kicking leg -- while practicing on the artificial turf, Ganter said. Although the coaching staff hopes Conway's injury is not serious, Ganter said they will re-evaluate him in five days.

Ganter added that if Conway's injury does turn out to be serious, a red-shirt season for the freshman is a possibility.

"I don't think it's going to be that serious -- we hope," Ganter said.

Witman and Milne's injuries are not serious enough to consider red-shirting either player, Ganter added.