Penn State will play its second game of the season on Saturday morning against Florida International University, and will get a couple of key starters back after missing the season-opener.
The Nittany Lions released their injury report just ahead of kickoff, and defensive end Zuriah Fisher and cornerback Zion Tracy were not on it.
Head coach James Franklin said earlier in the week that the two starters were trending toward playing after missing the home-opener against Nevada, and now it's confirmed.
Key Starters Return for Penn State
The Nittany Lions took care of business last week, dominating Nevada, 46-11, but will welcome two starters back against FIU, who are expected to play big roles in 2025.
Fisher is a redshirt senior, who didn't play last year due to injury. There's a lot of excitement around what the veteran can bring to Penn State's defensive line this season, and he was named to the preseason Comeback Player of the Year watch list.
"Yeah, I would still think though, even in this game, even if he wants to [play], we’ll probably only play him a limited amount of reps," Franklin said (h/t On3.com). "But right now, he’s a go."
In 2023, Fisher's last healthy season, he played in 13 games on defense and special teams and collected 17 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry.
Tracy is a junior that's continued to grow in each year at Penn State. The Nittany Lions cornerback played in all 13 games as a freshman, and then played in 16 games last year, making four starts.
"He’s ready to go," Franklin said on Wednesday about Tracy (h/t On3.com). "He’s practiced all week long, including Sunday. So, we’re anticipating him [being] ready to go."
Tracy collected 35 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, a sack and a pass breakup last year, and he's expected to play a huge role in Penn State's secondary in 2025. The junior cornerback is also a major piece on the Nittany Lions' special teams.
Notable receivers Kaden Saunders and Josiah Brown remain out in Week 2. Penn State will kickoff against FIU at 11 a.m. EST at Beaver Stadium.