ESPN - Big Ten Blog: Northwestern injury report: McManis questionable

[The Server]

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Northwestern has issued its official injury report for Saturday's game against No. 12 Penn State (ESPN, 4:30 p.m. ET).

OUT

• T Mike Boyle, back
• RB Alex Daniel, ankle (out for season)
• LB Bryce McNaul, leg

QUESTIONABLE

• CB Sherrick McManis, leg

Northwestern has more banged-up players than the injury report indicates, but Wildcats fans should be encouraged to see only one starter (McManis) possibly missing the game. Safeties Brendan Smith and Brian Peters both likely will play with clubs on their injured hands, but simply getting Smith back on the field after two games could be big for NU. McManis has been one of the Big Ten's better cornerbacks when healthy this season, so his status will loom large as the Wildcats try to slow down Penn State's talented wide receivers. But according to the report, Northwestern will have at least three-fourths of its starting secondary on the field, plus Peters, who basically serves as a fifth starter. Defensive end Corey Wootton, safety Brad Phillips, running back Stephen Simmons, tight end Drake Dunsmore and others are dealing with injuries but aren't listed.

It wouldn't surprise me if a few key contributors are game-time decisions, but this indicates that the Wildcats are slowly getting healthier.

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