James Franklin updates status of Noah Cain, KJ Hamler for game vs Ohio State

Penn State finished the game against Indiana without two of its offensive stars, but head coach James Franklin remains hopeful both can be ready for the road trip to Columbus.

Wide receiver KJ Hamler is an electric playmaker and is the leading receiver this season for the Nittany Lions. He leads the team in catches (46), receiving yards (791), and receiving touchdowns (8). Along with his work with the offense, he is the main return option on special teams.

Hamler left Saturday’s game against Indiana with an injury, and, on Tuesday, Franklin said the team is still hopeful he will be back for Ohio State. As of now, the team is still waiting on clearance from the medical staff.

Audrey Snyder with The Athletic shared Franklin’s update:

James Franklin said they remain hopeful with KJ Hamler playing on Saturday. He mentions that there are things out of their control in terms of the medical staff making a decision on Hamler.

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) November 19, 2019

Running back Noah Cain is a part of a very deep position group for Penn State, but there’s no denying he is an important member of the backfield. Cain is third on the team in carries (68) and rushing yardage (350) while tied for the team lead in touchdowns (6).

Unfortunately, the freshman has not played since the win over Michigan State. On the bright side, Franklin said Tuesday that Cain could have played this past weekend but felt it didn’t make sense.

He remains hopeful that Cain will play this week and believes he will only continue to get closer to 100%:

James Franklin on Noah Cain, adds that they could've played him last week but it didn't make sense. "Every week it goes by that he doesn't play increases the likelihood of him being closer to 100 percent. … We're hopeful."

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) November 19, 2019

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 12 pm EST on FOX.