Sophomore linebacker Mike Mauti suffered a knee injury in Sunday's scrimmage at Beaver Stadium, his father Rich Mauti confirmed Sunday night.
While the elder Mauti would not comment on the extent of his son's injury until doctors did more tests, he said the linebacker would probably undergo an MRI Monday for further evaluation.
"It's the ugliest part of football," said Rich Mauti, a Penn State wide receiver in the mid 1970s. "He's pretty disappointed, just trying to figure out what it all means. He needs time just to let this thing sink and digest."
Rich Mauti said his son was pursuing running back Brandon Beachum on a sweep play, and when Beachum cut back, the younger Mauti went to cut and tangled his knee up.
"It could happen on any play," he said.
Rich Mauti said he could hear the disappointment in his son's voice when he spoke with him after the injury. One of the biggest disappointments for Mike Mauti, his father said, was being unable to finish the scrimmage.
"He's upset," Rich Mauti said. "That's what you work your whole offseason for.
"Anytime your kids get hurt, whether it's a toothache, you're worried about them and how they're feeling."
Penn State sports information director Jeff Nelson said in an e-mail Sunday evening that information on any injury sustained Sunday would not be available until Monday morning at the earliest.
Mike Mauti was listed as the backup to middle linebacker Josh Hull but received praise from coach Joe Paterno and teammates for his play in the spring and through summer workouts. He was the spring recipient of the Jim O'Hora Award, given to the defense's most improved player.
The Mandeville, La., native recorded 26 tackles and forced one fumble last season.
