Paul Jones misses practice, status with Nittany Lions uncertain

Penn State's Paul Jones, who moved to tight end from quarterback in an attempt to get more playing time, did not attend practice Tuesday and it not known whether he has left the team.

Starting quarterback Matt McGloin confirmed Jones' absence during his weekly conference call with reporters on Wednesday.

In his first remarks on Jones, McGloin said, "It was a shock when I heard he wasn't going to be around any more." But later, he said he didn't know where Jones stood with regard to the coaches.

"He only missed one day of practice," he said. "I don't know what the future holds or anything like that so we'll have to wait and see what happens."

A Penn State spokesman said he was unaware of any change in Jones' status.

Head coach Bill O'Brien usually opens Wednesday's practice to the media for the first 15 to 20 minutes so all eyes will be looking for Jones.

Jones, a redshirt sophomore, lost the starting quarterback job in the spring to McGloin. He was listed as even with true freshman Steven Bench for the second-string spot at the start of the season but since has been edged out by Bench.

O'Brien said Jones told him he wanted to get on the field and contribute in some way, so the coach moved him to tight end. Jones caught his first and only pass on Sept. 15 against Navy. In last week's game against Temple, he lined up in the backfield and took a handoff, but the play lost seven yards.

Statecollege.com was the first to report that Jones had missed practice.

--Joe Juliano