Sean Clifford injury update: Will Penn State QB be back for Ohio State?

Sean Clifford, Penn State Nittany Lions. (USA Today)
Sean Clifford, Penn State Nittany Lions. (USA Today) /
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There is a chance Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford returns in time for the Ohio State game.

Everything fell apart for Penn State vs. Iowa once Sean Clifford exited the game with a rib injury.

Clifford gave way to Ta’Quan Roberson who finished the game, and that was all the Hawkeyes needed to hold serve at home to stay undefeated.

Though Penn State has everything to play for after its first loss of the season, that road date at Ohio State at the end of the month looms large.

So what are the chances Clifford can be back under center in time for the Buckeyes?

The good news is Penn State’s schedule is incredibly favorable before the Ohio State game arrives.

Sean Clifford injury update: Penn State QB questionable to return vs. Ohio State

Penn State’s upcoming schedule has the Nittany Lions on an open week this weekend. Their next game is at home vs. a rebuilding Illinois Fighting Illini squad under new head coach Bret Bielema on Oct. 23.

Penn State should be able to win with Roberson under center against Illinois and give Clifford an extra week to get healthy for the Buckeyes.

Assuming Roberson does enough to hold off Penn State from getting embarrassed by Illinois in two weeks, this should be a night game with Big Ten East bragging rights on the line.

For now, it is too early to say Clifford will be under center vs. Ohio State on Oct. 30. However, that is the soonest he could seriously return from his unspecified upper-body injury that’s believed to be a rib injury.

Two weeks off should do a world of good for Clifford to potentially return for the Buckeyes.

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