PITTSBURGH — Pitt left the West Virginia game in Week 1 with a win, but not without a handful of injuries too.
Deslin Alexandre and Rodney Hammond Jr. left the game with respective injuries, and while Hammond did not partake in warmups and will not play against Tennessee, Alexandre will return to the lineup against the Vols. Brandon George, who missed Week 1 against WVU, will also return to the lineup.
It’s a boost to Pitt’s defense to be able to roll two-deep at all three linebacker spots, and Alexandre’s return — while ceding the starting spot to John Morgan — is another boost to a defensive line that will rotate heavily against the high-tempo Vols.
Without Hammond, Pitt will turn to starter Israel Abanikanda for a bounce-back performance, and Vincent Davis and Daniel Carter will likely see an uptick in snaps.
Gabe Houy is also dressed for the second game in a row, after serving as a non-performer throughout the spring and summer, but it’s uncertain if he’ll play against Tennessee — with Matt Goncalves starting at right tackle.
