# Penn State's injury report: Who's back, who's out for Buffalo

> The Nittany Lions are getting healthier heading into their final non-conference game, but they lost a key defensive end for the season.
- Title: Penn State's injury report: Who's back, who's out for Buffalo
- Summary: The Nittany Lions are getting healthier heading into their final non-conference game, but they lost a key defensive end for the season. Penn State is…
- Keywords: penn state, nittany lions, matt campbell, max granville, buffalo, temple, armstrong nnodim, gabe burkle, cam smith, college football, injury report, defensive line
- Source: Penn State Nittany Lions On SI — https://si.com/college/pennstate/football/penn-state-week-3-injury-report-latest-updates-whos-out-whos-up-next
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:45:46+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: penn state, nittany lions, matt campbell, max granville, buffalo, temple, armstrong nnodim, gabe burkle, cam smith, college football, injury report, defensive line
## Penn State getting healthier
Coach Matt Campbell says the Nittany Lions are recovering as they prepare for their final non-conference game. Two key players returned against Temple.
## Max Granville out for season
The defensive end suffered a season-ending injury in practice last week. It's his second major college injury, having played just one game since 2024.
## A gut punch for the team
Campbell called losing Granville a really tough blow. He was becoming a top pass rusher and key defensive leader.

> Nobody worked harder to get back and be on the field. That's a gut punch.
## Four edge rushers now
Penn State planned to rotate five edge rushers with Granville. Now it's mainly four: Alexander McPherson, Ikenna Ezeogu, Yvan Kemajou and Caleb Bacon.
## Bacon's position switch pays off
The preseason decision to move Caleb Bacon from linebacker to defensive end is proving valuable. Freshman Jackson Ford will also see more action.
## Two defensive tackles returning
Armstrong Nnodim and Alijah Carnell are expected to be available against Buffalo. Both dressed and warmed up at Temple but were held back.
## Nnodim was a preseason standout
The Oklahoma State transfer at 6-2, 310 pounds was one of the toughest defensive linemen to block during spring and summer. He missed the first two games.
## Healthy versus ready to play
Campbell emphasized there's a difference between being healthy and being ready to play. Getting players back at the right time is critical.

> There's a difference between healthy and being ready to play, right?
## Burkle back from torn ACL
Tight end Gabe Burkle returned at Temple on a play limit, his first action since tearing his ACL at Iowa State last November. He played 20 snaps.
## Mouser wants Burkle unleashed
The offensive coordinator loves what Burkle brings in leadership and skill. He hopes the pitch count restrictions come off so Burkle can play a full game.

> I've been very vocal about how much I love Gabe and what he brings to our offense.
## Tatsch returns after bowl injury
Linebacker Alex Tatsch played for the first time since December's bowl practice injury. He logged a surprising 24 snaps and made two tackles at Temple.
## Cam Smith questionable for Buffalo
The linebacker missed the Temple game after playing 17 snaps in the opener against Marshall. He practiced Tuesday and is questionable for Saturday.
## Joseph leads cornerbacks in snaps
Jahmir Joseph missed three weeks of camp and played just 16 snaps in the opener. Against Temple, the sophomore led all cornerbacks with 34 snaps.
## Tracy reclaims starting nickelback role
Zion Tracy missed late camp time with an injury and lost his starting spot to freshman Josiah Zayas. He started against Temple, making five tackles and breaking up a pass.
## Martin's absence not injury related
Running back Quinton Martin Jr. didn't play on offense against Temple, but offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser confirmed it wasn't due to injury.
## Key takeaway

Penn State is recovering from early-season injuries with key players returning, but Max Granville's season-ending injury forces a defensive line reshuffle.