Pitt Expects Four Injured Players Back After Bye Week
PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers have been bitten by the injury bug so early and so often that head coach Pat Narduzzi claimed it has been the story of the season for his team so far. But he expects that to change following the well-timed bye week in front of him.
Narduzzi said following Pitt's 45-29 win over Virginia Tech that he expects four players back, all of them on offense. Narduzzi said he's optimistic running back Rodney Hammond, receiver Konata Mumpfield and offensive linemen Carter Warren and Owen Drexel will all be available when the Panthers travel to Lousiville in two weeks.
"We get a week off, which is much needed," Narduzzi said. "I think we'll have some guys back. Rodney Hammond will be back. Pregame, I'm like, 'Dude, you ready to go?' He went through pregame. He looks like he's ready to go. Hopefully we'll get two starting offensive linemen back. Hopefully Konata will be back."
Hammond, listed as a co-starter until Week 5 when Israel Abanikanda took over the role, dressed but did not play against Virginia Tech. Mumpfield, Warren and Drexel did not. Neither did linebacker Brandon George. His injury, which has kept him out multiple non-consecutive weeks this year, is undisclosed.
Narduzzi did not update the health of defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado and linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who both missed time in the second half of the win over Virginia Tech.
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