All Penn State

The Buffalo-Pittsburgh AFC Playoff Game Was Rough for Penn State

The Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. and Allen Robinson II were being evaluated for concussions after a loss to the Bills.
Mark Wogenrich|
The Buffalo-Pittsburgh AFC Playoff Game Was Rough for Penn State
The Buffalo-Pittsburgh AFC Playoff Game Was Rough for Penn State

In this story:

Penn State Nittany Lions

Former Penn State players Joey Porter Jr. and Allen Robinson II were being evaluated for concussions after Monday's AFC Super Wild Card Game between Pittsburgh and Buffalo, with Porter getting injured from a hit by a former Nittany Lion.

Buffalo offensive lineman Connor McGovern hit Porter from behind during the second half of the Bills' 31-17 victory. The hit did not draw a penalty but certainly was questionable. Porter, the Steelers' rookie cornerback, went to the locker room and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. McGovern played at Penn State from 2015-18, Porter from 2020-22.

McGovern was shaken up as well a few players earlier but returned to the game after missing one play. Later in the third quarter, Robinson was injured after making a catch and being tackled by Buffalo's Dorian Williams. The Steelers announced that both players were out and being evaluated for concussions.

No former Penn State player appeared to be safe in the game. Pittsburgh tight end Pat Freiermuth played through pain after limping off the field in the first half. After the game, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin told reporters in Buffalo that Freiermuth sustained an ankle injury. 

A total of 21 former Penn State players were on rosters for the 2024 NFL Playoffs. Every remaining AFC team has a former Nittany Lion on its roster, meaning Penn State will be represented in the Super Bowl for the 53rd time.

More Penn State Football

Penn State Football on SI.com

Sean Clifford snaps a Penn State slump in the NFL Playoffs

Now, Penn State needs a special teams coordinator, too

Penn State brings in some key players from the Transfer Portal

James Franklin's first 10 Penn State teams, ranked

The Penn State Football Year in Review

Is it too early to declare Penn State a playoff contender in 2024?

Penn State's Paul Posluszny elected to College Football Hall of Fame

What went wrong for Penn State in the Peach Bowl

Sheetz vs. Wawa: Penn State coach James Franklin pitches both for NIL opportunities

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.

Published
Mark Wogenrich
MARK WOGENRICH

Mark Wogenrich is the editor and publisher of Penn State on SI, the site for Nittany Lions sports on the Sports Illustrated network. He has covered Penn State sports for more than two decades across three coaching staffs, three Rose Bowls and one College Football Playoff appearance.

Home/Football