Rodney Hammond Out, Deslin Alexandre In for Pitt vs. Tennessee
PITTSBURGH -- Rodney Hammond starred for a revamped Pitt Panthers offense in the season opener against West Virginia, but it came at a cost. Late in the second half, Hammond suffered a leg injury while a Mountaineer defender tackled him.
It now appears that the Panthers will be down a back because Hammond is not warming up with his fellow tailbacks ahead of kickoff against the Tennessee Volunteers. Head coach Pat Narduzzi did not provide any updates on Hammond's status this week.
The good news for Pitt is they still have two backs with starting experience available. Israel Abanikanda, who led the team in rushing a year ago and is listed as a co-starter on this week's depth chart, is active and so is Vincent Davis, who has 37 career games and more than 1,500 rushing yards under his belt.
The Panthers will also get back senior captain and defensive end Deslin Alexandre, who went down with a wrist injury in the first half of the Backyard Brawl. He and reserve linebacker Brandon George were in uniform. George had missed time during camp with an undisclosed injury.
Gabe Houy was not dressed. He is still listed as the first team right tackle for Pitt, but Matt Goncalves was announced as the starter.
Defensive end Samuel Okundola, interior lineman Dorien Ford and receiver Jake McConnachie were the only other Panthers not in pads. They both missed the season opener as well.
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