In addition to Karlaftis, Purdue has "other issues" with COVID, per Brohm

If Purdue (2-2) is gonna end a two-game losing streak when Rutgers (1-4) visits for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, it’s gonna have to do so without George Karlaftis after he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.

“George is not happy,” said Jeff Brohm after practice today. “This is not something he wanted, to be knocked out for a good extended period of time because of this. It’s unfortunate. It's part of it. We’ve had other cases. George is a big-time difference maker on our team that we're going to miss. So, you know, he'll get through it. And then, he’ll be back full-speed ahead whenever that time comes. But, he's upset that he can't be with the team and he can't play football and finish the season off the way he wants.”

Per Big Ten protocols, Karlaftis will be out at least 21 days, meaning he essentially will miss the majority of the remaining regular season: Rutgers, Nebraska and Indiana. The 21-day period will expire in time for Karlaftis to take part in Purdue's cross-divisional game Dec. 19.

"I would think so," said Brohm. "I haven't counted the exact days yet. But I think so, yes."

Karlaftis already had been battling back from a high-ankle sprain suffered at Illinois on Oct. 31 that caused him to miss the Northwestern game the next week. Karlaftis played last week at Minnesota.

Brohm isn't sure if Karlaftis was infected during last week's game vs. Minnesota, which has had a raft of cases that caused its game this Saturday vs. Wisconsin to be called off. Is Brohm confident that Karlaftis is the lone COVID case on the team

"We have some other issues," said Brohm. "So, no, I'm not confident. We're testing every day. ... every week there's been some issues come up. I think we've dealt with it pretty responsibly to this point, and we're always cautious every day moving forward."

J.D. Dellinger is coming off a tough outing in last week's 34-31 loss at Minnesota, where he had a field goal blocked from 27 yards and missed another from 33. According to Brohm, a back issue may be impacting Dellinger.

"I think JD is doing well," said Brohm. "You know, he's been a consistent performer. He's had some some back issues that have hindered him a little bit. You know, the first blocked kick was probably a little bit low and we let some seepage in there. And then, I'm sure that may have affected the next one.

"So, you know, he was disappointed, which is a sign of a great player, when they're disappointed and they're willing to take the blame. So, I give him credit for that. I know he's worked hard this week and I think he'll be back to normal this week."

In addition to Karlaftis missing from the defense on Saturday, Purdue also may be without end/linebacker DaMarcus Mitchell and tackle Anthony Watts. Mitchell played just four snaps at Minnesota; Watts didn't even suit up.

"Well, Anthony is working hard," said Brohm. "He had a pretty decent injury, kind of like George. It'll be a game-time decision. He hasn't been able to do a whole lot this week, but we'll keep rehabbing all the way up til game time and see if he can go."

As for Mitchell: "Hasn't been able to practice much. We'll see if we can get him out there. Will be a game-time decision."

Purdue's offense received a big boost last week with the return of Rondale Moore, who made his 2020 debut after a hamstring injury kept him out the first three games. Moore made a career-high 15 catches for 116 yards and ran three times for 20 yards and a TD at Minnesota. How is he feeling?

"Well, I think he was pretty sore after the game," said Brohm. "He hadn't played in a while. And, you know, he continues to rehab everything he has. I'm hopeful that he can go out there and find ways to get better and do some good things for us. But, you know, he's been able to practice more this week than he did last week. And that's been a plus."

Will he play Saturday?

"I would anticipate him playing," said Brohm. '"Yes."

Could he factor into a return game that so far has been moribund in 2020?

"Well, you know, there's a chance he may be on that to a certain extent," said Brohm. "But I don't want to give that away yet."

Last week, Jack Plummer made his first start of 2020 with Aidan O'Connell out with an injury. In fact, O'Connell didn't even make the trip to Minnesota last week. And, he won't be suited up this Saturday, meaning UCLA grad transfer Austin Burton again will be the backup.

"No, Aidan will not dress," said Brohm. "He has an injury that he's rehabbing. If he doesn't have surgery during the season, he'll have to after. It's just a matter whether we can get him back to playing form."

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