Christian Hackenberg exits TaxSlayer Bowl with shoulder injury

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg left the TaxSlayer Bowl with an injury to his throwing shoulder and will not return.

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg left the TaxSlayer Bowl with an injury to his throwing shoulder and will not return, according to the ESPN game broadcast.

During the second quarter of Saturday’s game, Hackenberg fell awkwardly on his right shoulder after a short run. He remained in the game to throw a 51-yard pass to Chris Godwin, but was taken to the locker room after he was seen favoring his shoulder.

Before leaving, Hackenberg completed 8 of 14 passes for 139 yards, with an interception.

The junior is expected to enter this year’s NFL draft, but has not announced his plans yet.

- Kenny Ducey