Penn State P Fera out after appendectomy

Published Nov. 17, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Penn State punter Anthony Fera is out indefinitely after having an appendectomy Wednesday.

A team spokesman said it was unknown when the redshirt freshman could return to practice. Freshman Alex Butterworth is the backup on the depth chart for Saturday's game against Indiana in Landover, Md.

Fera was having a solid season, averaging almost 42 yards a punt. He's the latest Nittany Lion to miss time on a team ravaged by injuries.

Starting linebacker Michael Mauti could also miss Saturday's game because of an injured right shoulder. The team is already down three other starters to season-ending injuries, and a total of 17 starters or key players have missed some time.