WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue football starting left tackle Joey Tanona will remain sidelined for this week and next, but is expected back in practice before the Sept. 4 season opener against Indiana State.
Boilermakers coach Barry Odom said the Zionsville native has been out due to a sprained left ankle. Tanona was absent again Monday after sitting out most of last week.
Odom said Tanona would return for the work week leading into the opener. However, Odom did not specify Tanona would play in that season opener. He will have one fewer day of continued recovery than usual, due to the Friday night kickoff.
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Tanona started at left tackle throughout all of last season, his 793 snaps leading all players regardless of position. He began his career at Notre Dame, but a car accident prior to the start of his first spring practice left him with prolonged concussion symptoms and forced his medical retirement. After being cleared to return to activities, he transferred to Purdue prior to the 2024 season.
Oklahoma State transfer Nuku Mafi continued to work at left tackle with the No. 1 offense Monday. He was joined by freshman Brock Brownfield at left guard, South Carolina transfer Boaz Stanley at center, USC transfer Micah Banuelos at right guard and Jude McCoskey at right tackle.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When Purdue football starter, Zionsville native will return from injury