Penn State football lost three starters during the 28-13 win over Wisconsin last Saturday in Madison. Along with injuries to Drew Allar and Dani Dennis-Sutton, Anthony Donkoh also exited the game against the Badgers.

During his Monday press conference, James Franklin said both Allar and Dennis-Sutton’s timeline would go all the way until kickoff on Saturday, but Donkoh might not have the same option.

According to Franklin, multi-year starters Allar and Dennis-Sutton have “played enough football” for their decision to run right up to the game.

“Anything that deals with medical or health and safety, the doctors and the trainers handle that,” Franklin said on Wednesday. “But I do think there are some veterans that talk to players and help them with that, because there’s a reality in our game that the trainers will decide if you’re available or not, and after that, it’s up to the players.”

As veterans, Franklin believes both Allar and Dennis-Sutton know exactly how well they can perform given their current status. Working through an injury is a learning process, which Franklin said is another reason why being experienced in the training room can help with recovery.

While Donkoh hasn’t gone through bumps and bruises yet as the starter, Franklin praised the tackle for approaching his situation with maturity.

“I think there’s also a maturation process that I think a lot of times comes from the players figuring out what can you play with and should you play with and what you can’t. Guys have to figure that out,” Franklin said. “That’s part of maturity and growth as a football player.”

Franklin noted the process only rings true for “bumps and bruises” or minor injuries after players are available to play, with the trainers issuing the decision on whether the player is medically cleared.

The recent round of injuries ahead of the Nittany Lions’ tilt with Ohio State this Saturday is another in a long line of bumps and bruises for Penn State this year. The Big Ten is a physical conference and Franklin said injuries are going to happen.

Along with the program’s trainers and medical staff, Franklin also got help from Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson, who offered tips for recovery after his team went through injury struggles last year.

“We’ll take every resource we have: vitamins, sleep, saltwater tanks, whatever. Whatever the technology is, whatever it is, we’re going to do everything in our power to have our guys ready to play and play well,” Franklin said. “There’s a physical component to that. There’s a mental component to that. There’s an emotional component to that. There’s a maturity and experience component to all those things, too.”

While Franklin wasn’t asked about Donkoh or Dennis-Sutton’s status after practice on Wednesday, Donkoh was seen during the practice viewing session. Allar was also a participant in practice, while Dennis-Sutton wasn’t seen.

Franklin said it was “too early to tell” with Donkoh, and that the week ahead was going to be critical. With no new information coming out of his press conference on Wednesday, Donkoh may still be questionable for this Saturday.

“I think we’ve been tested. I think we’ve proven that we can overcome some of those things. I think we have proven that we have some pretty good depth,” Franklin said. “But obviously, when you’re playing one of the most talented teams in the country, you want to be as healthy as you possibly can.”