Penn State wide receiver and punt returner Kaden Saunders returned to practice Wednesday ahead of the Nittany Lions’ season opener at West Virginia.

Monday, Penn State head coach James Franklin announced that the redshirt sophomore wide receiver had been dealing with “bumps and bruises” during preseason camp and his availability against the Mountaineers was up in the air.

“Kaden has some bumps and bruises that he has missed some time, and we are working through that right now,” Franklin told reporters. “Obviously, we’re hopeful that he’ll be able to go this week and be full go and be able to factor in for us.”

Now, just three days before Penn State kicks off the season against a formidable Big 12 opponent, Saunders returned to practice and was “active” during the media viewing window.

Penn State WR/PR Kaden Saunders is active at today’s practice viewing session. He has been dealing with “bumps and bruises” and is “hopeful” for Saturday, James Franklin said Monday.

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) August 28, 2024

Kaden Saunders’ Return Boosts Penn State’s Passing Offense

Penn State Football, Kaden Saunders — Wide Receiver Kaden Saunders could be a breakout star to watch for Penn State Football in 2024. (Image via USA TODAY Sports)

Saunders’ return to practice could be important news for the Nittany Lions who are replacing two of their top wide receivers from last season (KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Dante Cephas) who elected to leave in the transfer portal this offseason.

Saunders is competing with Liam Clifford, Julian Fleming, and Omari Evans for playing time at receiver behind WR1 Harrison Wallace III.

Last season, Saunders ranked sixth on the team with six catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. Saunders also started the season as the starting punt returner before being replaced by Daequan Hardy after his two punt return touchdown performance against UMass. Saunders is expected to once again start at punt returner if healthy.