Penn State Players Provide Injury Updates Ahead of Spring Practice

Nittany Lions Tony Rojas, Gabe Burkle, Jeremiah Cooper, and Rocco Becht discuss their rehab progress as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Penn State head coach Matt Campbell discussed the challenges of managing players returning from injuries as the team prepares for spring practice and the upcoming Blue-White Game. Several key Nittany Lions players, including linebacker Tony Rojas, tight end Gabe Burkle, safety Jeremiah Cooper, and quarterback Rocco Becht, provided updates on their rehabilitation progress and timelines for returning to the field.

Why it matters

Injuries played a major role in Penn State's struggles last season, so the progress of these players' recoveries will be crucial in determining the team's outlook for the 2026 campaign. Their ability to return to full strength will impact both the spring practice schedule and the Nittany Lions' performance in the fall.

The details

Rojas, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in October, said he is "crushing rehab" and aiming to return by summer and beyond. Burkle, who tore his ACL in November, is about 13 weeks post-surgery and targeting a return by fall camp. Cooper, who also tore his ACL in September, is focused on the mental aspect of recovery in addition to the physical. Becht, who underwent shoulder surgery in December, is on track to participate in spring practices after serving as an on-field coach early on.

  • Rojas suffered his knee injury on Tuesday, October 1, 2025.
  • Burkle sustained his ACL tear in November 2025.
  • Cooper tore his ACL in late September 2025.
  • Becht underwent shoulder surgery in December 2025.

The players

Tony Rojas

A linebacker for the Penn State Nittany Lions who suffered a season-ending knee injury in October 2025.

Gabe Burkle

A tight end for the Penn State Nittany Lions who tore his ACL in November 2025, ending his season.

Jeremiah Cooper

A safety for the Penn State Nittany Lions who tore his ACL in September 2025 during the final week of practice.

Rocco Becht

The fifth-year senior quarterback for the Penn State Nittany Lions who underwent surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder and a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in December 2025.

Matt Campbell

The head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm crushing rehab right now. If I'm not in class, I feel like I'm in rehab. There's not really a set time or whatever, but I'm in there as much as I can 24/7, whether that's doing rehab or recovery, ice tubs, whatever it is.”

— Tony Rojas, Linebacker (on3.com)

“I'm about 13 weeks out of surgery and rehab has been great. Honestly, I started rehabbing literally the day after surgery. It was super important for me to just kind of start the process.”

— Gabe Burkle, Tight End (on3.com)

“I learned a lot. Just coming off that ACL injury, just not as a football player, but just mentally. It's been very hard days. But I'm forever going to be grateful for this injury. I've learned so much about myself, and I just got to keep growing from it.”

— Jeremiah Cooper, Safety (on3.com)

“My shoulders are feeling great. The rehab process has been going really well.”

— Rocco Becht, Quarterback (on3.com)

What’s next

Rojas, Burkle, Cooper, and Becht will continue their rehabilitation programs with the goal of returning to full participation in time for the 2026 season. Their progress will be closely monitored by the Penn State coaching staff as the team prepares for spring practice and the upcoming campaign.

The takeaway

The Nittany Lions' ability to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season will hinge heavily on the successful recoveries of these key players. Their determination and the support of the coaching staff will be crucial in determining Penn State's fortunes in the year ahead.