Penn State Tight End Kaden Saunders Availability Uncertain for WVU Opener

Saunders' Status a Game-Time Decision

Penn State tight end Kaden Saunders is expected to be a game-time decision when the Nittany Lions open their season against West Virginia on Thursday, Sept. 1. Saunders has been battling an undisclosed injury and did not participate in Penn State's scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 27.

Nittany Lions Optimistic About Saunders' Return

"Kaden is day-to-day," Penn State coach James Franklin said on Monday, Aug. 29. "We're hopeful that he'll be able to play against West Virginia, but we'll see how he progresses this week."

Saunders is a key part of Penn State's offense. He caught 26 passes for 334 yards and four touchdowns last season.

If Saunders is unable to play, Penn State will likely turn to redshirt sophomore Theo Johnson as his replacement. Johnson is also 6-foot-4, 241 pounds but is two years younger than Saunders and has only caught one pass in his college career.

The Nittany Lions are also looking for a big game from redshirt senior wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who led the team with 52 catches and 884 receiving yards last season.

Penn State will open the season as a 16-point favorite against West Virginia. The Mountaineers went 6-4 last season.