UNIVERSITY PARK -- Joe Paterno was not on the sideline as Penn State played Michigan today at Beaver Stadium.
The 81-year-old Paterno, who has been using a cane in recent weeks, has a right leg problem that has forced him to work from the coaches box for what now is three consecutive games. He's been vague about the specifics of his ailment, including avoiding saying yes or no in responding to a mid-week question of whether he needs hip replacement surgery.
Paterno had suffered a broken left leg and knee injury near the end of the 2006 season in a sideline collision at Wisconsin. His problems with his right leg became an issue when he hurt himself attempting an onside kick in practice ahead of the season opener.
Paterno was on the field during pregame warmups and talked with Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez.
