Will Koby Howard be back for Penn State's game this weekend against Purdue? That question has to be near the top for many Penn State fans who have watched the Lions tank just when Howard got hurt.
In the first 3 weeks of the season, Koby was a menace. He hauled in 12 catches for 344 yards and 2 touchdowns, and added 2 carries for 24 yards and another TD. Perhaps even more importantly, he was a safety blanket for Rocco Becht, who has struggled since his departure during the win over Buffalo.
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Chase Sowell has stepped up, especially most recently against Michigan, but getting Howard back would unlock a large chunk of the Penn State passing attack.
While it appears that Koby is trending in the right direction, he is still questionable for this weekend's game against the Boilermakers. At this point, it's likely not worth it to rush his return for a team that may make a bowl game but not much else. The best possible finish would be 8-4 at this point, which gets the Lions to something like the Music City or ReliaQuest Bowl (or some delicious Duke's Mayo). Is that enough to bring Koby back early, and potentially aggravate whatever injury he may have?
The hope is that Penn State can win without him against Purdue, and then see if he'll be ready for the November games. If he pulls it together this week and can go, then great, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.
Here's hoping the Lions can pull one out with or without him.
