Skip to main content

Pat Narduzzi Says Injury to Pitt DL Dayon Hayes Not Season-Ending

The Pitt head coach refuted a report that Dayon Hayes would miss the remainder of the season.

PITTSBURGH -- Pat Narduzzi has a strict policy against commenting on or reporting any injuries sustained by his Pitt Panthers players, but does make one exception. If an injury is considered season-ending, Narduzzi will inform the media. That is not the case with standout junior defensive lineman Dayon Hayes. 

Narduzzi refuted a report published this morning by Pittsburgh Sports Now claiming that Hayes, who had suffered a knee injury, had opted to undergo surgery and would miss the remainder of the 2022 season while recovering for six to eight months. Hayes didn't travel with the team to Western Michigan this past week. 

“He wasn’t healthy," Narduzzi said. "Not going to get into injuries, but as you guys know, if somebody’s out for the year, I would tell you. Good information, bad information — he’s not out for the year or I would tell you.”

Nate Temple had been filling in for Hayes as a reserve behind starter Habakkuk Baldonado and when both of them went down with injuries of their own during the Western Michigan game, Bam Brima was the one to take their snaps. 

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage and so much more!

Pat Narduzzi offers Encouraging News as Pitt Releases Week 4 Depth Chart

Pitt Falls Out of Coaches Poll, to 24 in AP Poll After Week 3

Six Winners in Pitt's Victory Over Western Michigan

Three Takeaways Pitt Win Over Western Michigan

Pitt Pulls Away From Western Michigan Late for 34-13 Win

Slovis Starting, 3 Pitt Starters Missing from Travel Roster

Report: Pitt QB Nick Patti Did Not Travel to Western Michigan