Pitt has largely escaped the injury bug, but that doesn’t mean the Panthers haven’t had to battle through some bumps and bruises on the way to the first 4-0 start since 2000.
Pitt is coming off a bye week, the first of two over the next month, and it’s helped a handful of Panthers to rest up. Pat Narduzzi updated a couple of key injuries Monday during his weekly press conference.
The first — and the most important — is Desmond Reid.
Desmond will be back,” Narduzzi said. “… I told you after the game, he could have been back last week, but it was kind of like he wasn’t 100%, but he’s 100% now.”
Reid was limited in the fourth quarter against West Virginia a couple of weeks ago and was held out of the Youngstown State win as a precaution. A healthy Reid is a game-changer — maybe the best back in the ACC.
Reid has been a revelation through three games this season, racking up 44 carries for 319 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and a touchdown, 13 receptions for 167 yards (12.8 yards per reception) and three touchdowns and a 78-yard punt return touchdown.
And Reid isn’t the only running back who’s likely to see some action in the near future. Juelz Goff has been sidelined to start his collegiate career due to an arm injury, but he’s also back in the fold now.
“(Juelz has) given us fits on the scout team,” Narduzzi said. “He’s done a nice job down there. He’s fast, and he’s going to be a special back as well. He will be back soon, too. He’s dressed up and ready to roll every day, and he dressed last two games as well.”
Goff may only be a freshman, but he entered his freshman season with the expectation that he could contribute immediately. He followed up a 1,600-yard junior season at Central York with a 1,600-yard, 31-touchdown senior season. He’s a nearly perfect blend of speed and agility out of the backfield.
Goff hasn’t played yet, and Reid, Daniel Carter and Derrick Davis Jr. are in his way, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Goff earn some snaps this season.
And there is an injury update on the defensive side of the ball, too.
Sean FitzSimmons hasn’t made his debut this season as he’s dealt with injury, but he’s close.
“Yeah, getting closer, I think Fitzy is almost back,” Narduzzi said. “Would like to see 55 out there this week. He looked pretty good last week.”
FitzSimmons hasn’t taken a snap this season, and it’s a shame that he hasn’t been able to showcase his ability on the interior — an area of need this season. He’s taken just 57 defensive snaps during his career.
In his short Pitt career, FitzSimmons has recorded four tackles (two solo), a tackle for loss and a sack.
Anthony Johnson is very likely to miss additional time, so FitzSimmons should enter into a defensive tackle rotation that includes Nick James, Nahki Johnson, Isaiah Neal, Francis Brewu, Jahsear Whittington and Elliot Donald. The exact rotation remains to be seen.
This upcoming game is going to be huge. Wow