FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Penn State coach Joe Paterno said he doubts that star freshman Derrick Williams, who has been sidelined for a couple of months with a broken left arm, will play next week in the Orange Bowl.

"Derrick Williams is worth a touchdown, but I doubt, really, if he'll play," Paterno said Thursday at a news conference in Fort Lauderdale. The 3rd-ranked Nittany Lions (10-1) are preparing to face No. 22 Florida State in the bowl game.

Williams, a highly recruited wide receiver, was a key cog on Penn State's high-powered offense until breaking his arm during the Nittany Lions' 27-25 loss to Michigan in October. He caught one touchdown pass and ran for three more scores.

Paterno said the injury was so severe that doctors were concerned that there could be nerve damage.

"So, I don't think it's worth the kid's future; he has a great future, so I doubt he will play," Paterno said.

Williams said he was disappointed by the news but understood his coach's concern. Time at the beach may have helped soothe feelings, too. Williams, sporting a scar on his arm from the surgery to repair the injury, joined teammates frolicking in the surf during an afternoon off from practice.