Another week, another blow to Penn State’s linebacking corps.

Starting middle linebacker Jason Cabinda will miss his second consecutive contest with an unspecified arm injury. The Lions sorely missed their defensive leader last week against Pitt after being gouged for 117 yards and a score by star running back James Conner.

Starting outside linebacker Brandon Bell, who was injured late last week and arrived to the stadium in crutches, is also sidelined for today’s game against Temple. Bell was effective against Pitt, and his absence was felt toward the end of the game.

Sophomore linebackers Manny Bowen and Jake Cooper are expected to shoulder the load in place of the injured duo. James Franklin praised Bowen’s progress in practice saying he expects the young ‘backer’s role to expand exponentially in the coming weeks — but I don’t think this is the plan he had in mind. Both Bowen and Cooper made their college debuts last fall against the Owls in Philadelphia.

Star Temple running back Jahad Thomas is a go after missing the first two games of the year with a hand injury, spelling more bad news for a decimated Nittany Lion front seven. Thomas moved the chains at will against the Lions in 2015, and without much help in run support, there’s a good chance he could do much of the same — if not more — during today’s contest.