Penn State 'Hopeful' for Chop Robinson's Return Vs. Michigan
Penn State coach James Franklin said he's "hopeful" that defensive end Chop Robinson will return for Saturday's game against Michigan. Robinson and fellow end Amin Vanover did not play in the Lions' 51-15 victory at Maryland, leaving the defense short-handed on the defensive line.
Both Robinson and Vanover participated in drills Wednesday, and Franklin said after practice that Robinson specifically looked "good."
"I spent most of my time on the offensive side of the field so I've got to watch the tape, but good," Franklin told reporters in State College. "He looked good on Sunday, he looked good on Monday. I'll watch the tape, but good."
Robinson, injured at Ohio State, has not played the past two games. He traveled and participated in pregame warmups at Maryland as part of his rehab protocol, Franklin said. Teammates said they "played for Chop" at Maryland, where Robinson began his college career as a linebacker. Adisa Isaac, who recognized Robinson after a sack at Maryland, said his fellow end would return strong.
"You're going to see more Chop coming soon," Isaac said after the game. "That's something to look out for."
Franklin said that Robinson being able to travel to Maryland was "important" for not only Robinson but also the team. Robinson, who has three sacks and five tackles for loss, is one of the Big Ten's highest-graded edge rushers and key to the pass rush against Michigan. In fact, Franklin called Robinson "maybe our most explosive defensive player."
"So the opportunity and the possibility to have both of those guys [Robinson and Vanover] back this week will be significant," Franklin said. "I thought being able to travel him was big, not only from a rehab standpoint to get him with our trainers and doctors, but also from a morale standpoint. You know, that was something we talked about in the locker room. Not just finding way to get a win and playing well, but also playing for Chop with his inability to play last week. So we're hopeful to have both of those guys back."
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