{
  "id": 16985351,
  "title": "Purdue football's 2 long-injured starters may return at Penn State",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/purdue-footballs-2-long-injured-starters-may-return-at-penn-state",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-29T00:56:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/purdue-footballs-2-long-injured-005651237.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Purdue football will field two starters who have been sidelined by injuries when they take on Penn State this Saturday, according to the latest availability report from the Big Ten. Left tackle Joey Tanona and nickelback Mister Clark were not included in Wednesday's release. Tanona has been absent throughout the season after suffering an ankle injury during preseason camp. He started all 12 games at left tackle last year and led the team in snaps. Clark played only the season opener before dealing with an injury that kept him out of practice until recently. In his absence, Nuku Mafi has taken on the role of left tackle starter, while Smiley Bradford has covered most of the nickel snaps in the base five defensive back package.\n\nIt remains to be seen whether Tanona or Clark will be ready to resume their starting positions upon their return. Purdue's coaching staff, led by Barry Odom, believes the extra time off granted before the game could aid in the recovery of these injured starters. Two other starters, linebacker Charles Correa and cornerback Hudauri Hines, who both exited the previous match against Washington early, were not listed on the current availability report. However, two more starters are marked as questionable for the game ahead - receiver De Nylon Morrissette and safety Jaden Mangham. Morrissette has contributed 125 yards and a touchdown through eight receptions this season. Purdue boasts substantial depth at the receiver position, with players like Tra Mar Harris potentially stepping up if Morrissette cannot play. Mangham has started six of the team's seven games, accumulating 30 tackles and a pass breakup. Backup players Justin Denson Jr. and others might see more playing time if Mangham is unable to participate.",
  "summary": "Purdue football's 2 long-injured starters may return at Penn State; what it means to the depth chart",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/16985351.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}