Penn State’s offensive line is losing key pieces at the wrong time.

On Saturday, the Lions saw both Paris Palmer and Connor McGovern leave the game with undisclosed injuries. One of them, McGovern, has a chance to play on Saturday against Rutgers.

But the other, Palmer, will miss the remainder of the 2016 season.

James Franklin made that announcement on Tuesday. The Lions offensive tackle was already filling in for Andrew Nelson, who was sidelined earlier in the year with a season-ending injury of his own.

Penn State’s offensive line is suddenly in need of major reinforcements. With the injuries to Nelson, Palmer, McGovern and Brandon Mahon — Franklin wouldn’t confirm if Mahon was also out for the year — the Lions could have to turn to some true freshmen.

Franklin discussed the possibility burning redshirts for Will Fries and Michal Menet. Franklin said he hasn’t made that determination yet but that they’ve been made aware of that possibility.

The Lions will look to continue their offensive dominance on Saturday at Rutgers despite their banged-up offensive line.