An already-thin Penn State football team sustained yet another blow in Saturday's 18-10 loss at Nebraska when starting tight end Casey Williams was lost for the season after the senior tore the ACL in his left knee.
Coming into the 2003 season, Williams was one of only three Nittany Lions with more than 10 career catches at Penn State and had caught four passes for 25 yards this year. All four receptions this season came in Penn State's loss to Boston College.
Penn State defensive tackle Tamba Hali was also hurt in the game. The sophomore sprained an ankle against the Cornhuskers and it is uncertain if he will play against Kent State next Saturday.
The injuries to Williams and Hali hurt an already inexperienced Penn State squad. While fifth-year seniors Mike Lukac and Matt Kranchick are the likely candidates to fill Williams spot at tight end, there are no clear-cut options should Hali miss significant time.
After injuries to defensive ends Sam Ruhe and Patrick Hall this past week, the Lions have just seven healthy players up front. Ruhe suffered a sprained knee in practice and Hall sustained a "burner" against Boston College.
The Lions are also without end Jeremiah Davis, who is sitting out this season because of concussion problems. Tackle Jay Alford, has also has been sidelined since the Temple game with a sprained knee.
That leaves the Lions with a healthy rotation of ends John Bronson, Lavon Chisley and Matt Rice and tackles Ed Johnson, Scott Paxson, Jason Robinson and Steve Roach.
Come back kids
Lions' running back Mike Gasparato suited up for the first time this season against Nebraska on Saturday but did not play. The junior had been out with a hamstring injury he suffered in the preseason.
Defensive back Anwar Phillips also dressed for Saturday's game against the Cornhuskers and saw his first action of the season. The sophomore, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in August, saw action on special teams.
Phillips dressed for his first game of the season against Boston College, but he did not play against the Eagles.
Welcome back
Penn State junior wideout Gerald Smith, who was moved to defensive back during fall practice to fill the spot temporarily vacated by Anwar Phillips, returned to the offensive side of the ball and caught two passes on Saturday.
As a sophomore last season, Smith caught 11 passes for 129 yards and was Penn State's third-leading returning receiver for 2003.
Smith's two catches for 41 yards were both third-best for the Lions on Saturday, but his day against the 'Huskers will most likely be remembered for the apparent side-line catch that was ruled out of bounds late in the game.
