Injury Forces Pitt to Start True Freshman at LB

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers lost a starting linebacker before the defense even took the field for the first time.

DeShields went down with an unknown injury on the second kickoff of the game, after Pitt marched 75 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game.

He went to the injury tent and trainers seemed to check him for symptoms of a concussion - working on his balance after taking his helmet from him - according to a report from ACC Network sideline reporter, Marylin Payne.

It would mark a major loss for the Panthers if DeShields cannot return. He leads the team in tackles for loss with 6.5 and is tied for third in sacks with two.

Pitt had planned to get true freshman Jordan Bass more snaps this week but ended up giving him the first start of his career given DeShields' injury. Braylan Lovelace or Kyle Louis would have stepped in but they did not make the trip down to Winston-Salem, North Carolina with the Panthers. Brandon George should expect a step up in playing time as well.

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