Update from Penn State practice: Smith sidelined, Belton and Day in pads

Some encouraging news for Penn State's offense at practice on Wednesday afternoon, but it appears the Nittany Lions are still hurting.

Starting left tackle Donovan Smith (ankle) stood on the sideline without pads and did not participate in drills. The 6-foot-5, 316-pound redshirt freshman has not practiced all week.

Meanwhile sophomore Bill Belton and senior Derek Day -- the Nittany Lions' No. 1 and No. 2 running backs -- were both dressed in full pads, though Belton's left ankle was taped heavily. On Tuesday, coach Bill O'Brien said that Belton (ankle) and Day (shoulder) were day-to-day leading up to Saturday's game against Navy.

In the 15 minutes reporters were allowed to watch practice, Belton and Day sat out for a few drills. In the first live action set, sophomore Zach Zwinak took snaps with the first team and senior Michael Zordich took snaps with the second team.

Sam Ficken went 5-for-5 in field-goal attempts early in practice, most from 30-40 yards.

And right before reporters were ushered off the field, newly converted tight end Paul Jones made a diving, one-handed catch.

-Emily Kaplan