Paterno may not return this season

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, who had knee surgery this week, is likely finished with his coaching duties for this season, his doctor said.

Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, at a news conference Wednesday, said he was uncertain when the coach would be released from the hospital where Paterno has been since surgery for a torn ligaments and a broken bone in his left leg.

Earlier in the week, Penn State issued a release saying Paterno would soon return to practice and planned to be on the sideline for Saturday's game.

"In order to maximize his treatment and in order to keep him from doing things that he wants to do, that he shouldn't be doing, the best place for him is in the hospital," Sebastianelli said Wednesday.

Paterno was injured last Saturday when two players ran into him at the end of a play.

If Paterno is unable to return, defensive coordinator Tom Bradley would likely assume the decision-making duties. Penn State plays Temple Saturday and wraps up its regular season against Michigan State.