Joe Paterno suffers injuries to left leg

University Park, Pa. -- Penn State football coach Joe Paterno suffered injuries to his left leg after being involved in a collision along the sidelines during Saturday's game at Wisconsin.

Paterno suffered a tibial plateau fracture of his left leg and ligament damage in his knee, according to Wayne Sebastianelli, Penn State director of athletic medicine. Sebastianelli examined Paterno last night and earlier today (Nov. 5) in State College, with the examinations revealing the fracture of the top of his left shin bone and the knee injuries.

A decision on whether to operate or rehabilitate the injuries will be based upon what will be the most expedient manner of recovery.

Paterno has attempted to have as close to a normal routine as possible today, meeting with the coaching staff, reviewing yesterday's game and beginning preparations for Saturday's home game with Temple. He expects to prepare for and coach in the game against Temple, which begins at 3:30 p.m. in Beaver Stadium.

Paterno was injured early in the third quarter when Penn State tight end Andrew Quarless and Wisconsin's DeAndre Levy spilled into him after a Quarless catch and tackle by the Badger linebacker near the Penn State sideline. Paterno left the field after the third period and, immediately after the game, returned to State College on a University plane to be further examined.

At the statue of Paterno outside Beaver Stadium, a fan bandaged the left leg overnight. A sign was hung on the statue that read: "Get well soon JoePa, we love you!"

Selected the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) National Coach of the Year an unprecedented five times during his legendary career, including 2005, Paterno is in his 41st season as head coach of the Nittany Lions. He is second in all-time victories among major college coaches and fourth in wins across all four NCAA divisions.