Paul Posluszny still does not know his next step -- or, for that matter, when he'll make his next tackle. Penn State's junior linebacker, a first-team All-American, was injured midway through the fourth quarter of the Orange Bowl Tuesday night.

	John Beale, Post-Gazette Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny is consoled by former Penn State player Chafie Fields, left, after Posluszny was injured in the second half of the Orange Bowl. Click photo for larger image.

Coach Joe Paterno said yesterday that Posluszny likely has ligament damage in his right knee, but the injury's severity remains unknown. Posluszny will travel back with the team to State College today, then have an MRI later today or early tomorrow.

"He's gonna go back with us," Paterno told reporters in Miami yesterday morning. "The doc wants to get an MRI on him, but he's got some ligament problems. They want to examine him more."

Posluszny had mentioned several times that he planned to decide sometime in the coming weeks whether or not to apply early for the 2006 NFL draft. The injury's seriousness -- severe knee injuries often take eight months or more to heal -- largely will shape that decision. The linebacker could chose to remain in school and attempt a recovery for the 2006 season -- maintaining the option to redshirt, if his rehab needs more time -- or he could opt for the NFL and allow a pro team to help him return to full strength.

"I hate to even speculate, because it could be serious," defensive coordinator Tom Bradley said. "It's rough for any player, particularly for Paul. You know, does he go to the NFL or does he stay? I think a lot of it will depend on the outcome [of the MRI]."

Originally, Posluszny, from Hopewell, had booked a flight to Pittsburgh today. When he was unable to find a standby flight back home yesterday, the team recommended that he instead return to State College.

Posluszny was injured when Florida State running back Lorenzo Blocker attempted a low block. He was helped from the field by two trainers but before the end of the game, he already was begging those around him to let him re-enter the game.

"He wanted to go back in," Paterno said. "He tried to talk the doc into going back in."