Penn State football standout wide receiver Koby Howard is likely still multiple weeks out from playing for the Nittany Lions again, according to Matt Campbell.

The Penn State head coach said during Tuesday media availability that Howard’s return is “a post-bye week conversation, for sure.”

Howard suffered an injury in Penn State’s Week 3 matchup against Buffalo and has missed the three games since. Campbell said the following week that Howard would be out an “extended period of time” entering conference play.

After being ruled out, Howard hinted on his Instagram story that he could return against Michigan on October 17. Campbell said Tuesday that is not the case.

Campbell has still not given a specific timetable for Howard’s return.

Penn State is 0-3 in Big Ten competition and will still be without Howard against Michigan and into the bye week. Howard’s absence limited the Nittany Lions’ passing production and resulted in a sputtering offense over the past three games.

“I think of Koby coming back a lot,” Penn State offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said. “We certainly miss him, just from like the energy that he provides to the offense. … There won’t be a pitch count [when he returns from injury].”

In Howard’s absence, Iowa State transfer Chase Sowell showed flashes of excellence against Northwestern and USC.

He’s recorded 15 receptions for 233 yards and one touchdown in Big Ten play, including 95 yards against the Trojans on Saturday.

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