Pitt cornerback Jason Pinnock has been suspended for Saturday’s game against Florida State, Pittsburgh Sports Now has confirmed.
Pinnock, a senior starter in Pitt’s secondary, did not travel with the team. PSN could not verify the nature of the incident that caused him to be suspended or the length of his suspension, other than the fact that Pinnock will not play this week. Chris Peak of Panther Lair first reported the news.
Pinnock was one of two starters that were removed before the rest of the defense was during Pitt’s blowout loss to Notre Dame on Oct. 24. The other was starting safety Paris Ford, who opted out of the rest of the season on Monday.
Pinnock had started all seven games for the Panthers this season. He had 14 tackles, one for a loss, one interception and two passes defended.
Sophomore A.J. Woods or freshman Rashad Battle should be expected to replace Pinnock in the starting lineup. Woods has spelled started Marquis Williams at field corner at times this season, but the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Battle is more of a match for Pinnock’s size and physicality.
Whoever starts will be sharing a secondary with another first-time starter, as redshirt freshman Brandon Hill is expected to take Ford’s place as Pitt’s starting free safety.