Penn basketball center Darien Nelson-Henry out indefinitely with a concussion

After a 2-6 start to the young season, Penn basketball couldn’t afford a big injury.

But a source tells the DP that sophomore center Darien Nelson-Henry has suffered a concussion and is out indefinitely after getting elbowed in the head during practice.

The Quakers' starting center was not at practice on Thursday, although the practice did come during finals week.

Nelson-Henry's injury is a big blow to the Red and Blue and could have major effects depending on how many games the 6-foot-11 sophomore ultimately misses.

Nelson-Henry has emerged as a go-to scorer for the Quakers in the frontcourt this year, averaging 12.8 points per game, good for second on the team. He also leads the team in rebounding, notching 7.4 boards per contest.

With a Penn offense that utilizes three guards and two forwards, the team relies upon the sophomore as one of its primary post players working alongside senior captain Fran Dougherty.

If Nelson-Henry misses significant time due to injury, coach Jerome Allen will likely turn to junior forwards Henry Brooks and Greg Louis to pick up the lost minutes, as well as senior forward Cameron Gunter.

Penn struggled with injuries last year, including Dougherty sidelined with mononucleosis in December of this past season.

Dougherty’s absence led to a bigger role for Nelson-Henry, so Nelson-Henry’s injury could lead to the opposite situation coming to fruition as Dougherty becomes even more important to the Quakers’ frontcourt play.

Penn's next game is Sunday at Marist as the Quakers begin their winter break schedule, likely without one of their top scorers.