The (2-1) Northwestern Wildcats host the (2-1) Penn State Nittany Lions at Ryan Field on Friday night for Week 4 of the regular season. One injury to monitor is tight end Luke Dehnicke, who suffered an apparent head injury during the fourth quarter last Friday in Week 2 against Indiana after hauling in a 41-yard reception and landing on his head. Dehnicke finished last week with seven receptions for 140 yards. The breakout star was listed as questionable in Tuesday’s availability report.

The Northwestern Wildcats deliver brutal news for breakout star for Week 4Sep 25, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats tight end Luke Dehnicke (84) catches a pass against Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Preston Zachman (6) during the second half at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Northwestern downgraded Luke Dehnicke from questionable to doubtful on Wednesday, a negative sign regarding his availability for Friday. The Wildcats may downgrade Dehnicke from doubtful to out on Thursday, as availability reports usually work that way. This would be a huge loss for the offense, as the breakout transfer from UMD is currently second on the team in receptions and receiving yards, totaling 11 receptions for 208 yards through three games.

Tough news for Northwestern. Breakout TE Luke Dehnicke has been downgraded to doubtful for Friday against Penn State. He had seven catches for 140 yards against Indiana.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 1, 2026

As a result, UConn transfer Alex Honig is expected to be the top tight end on Friday. Honig is currently third on the team in receiving yards, totaling five receptions for 79 yards and one touchdown.

More Northwestern newsSep 18, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; A Northwestern Wildcats helmet sits on an equipment chest during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
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