Dontay Corleone Cleared For Full Practice Ahead of Pittsburgh Matchup

Huge news!

Nov 11, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith (1) passes the all while being hit by Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Dontay Corleone (2) in the second half at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports / thomas shea-usa today sports

CINCINNATI — The Bearcats have Dontay Corleone back this week and beyond. The school put out a release confirming the big news after he worked a return from blood clots this summer.

The All-American defensive tackle adds much-needed force on the inside of Cincinnati's defense in a return to full practice this week. His playing status for Saturday is not confirmed as of this writing.

“I’m excited to be back on the field with my brothers,” Corleone said in the release. “I will continue to lead on and off the field. My family and I are very thankful for (head trainer) Aaron Himmler, Dr. Divine, and the entire UC sports medicine staff. I also want to thank all of our fans for their love and support throughout this process. For the last few months, I have worked extremely hard to make a return. With the help of our strength and conditioning staff, especially (assistant director of sports performance) Brandon Garcia, who worked with me daily, I feel fully prepared to play this season.”

He will lead the nose tackle rotation when he fully returns to game action. 

It's wonderful news for one of Cincinnati's captains and top athletes at the school.

“We leaned on several specialists and physicians who have prepared other collegiate and professional athletes to play football safely after suffering similar conditions,” Himmler said in the release. “Dontay’s health has been and will continue to be our No. 1 priority. I am proud of the amount of effort and coordination that our entire Performance Health and Wellness Team has put forth to create a comprehensive approach to prepare Dontay in every way. We have closely monitored Dontay every step of the way over the last several months and will continue to do so. He has participated in nearly every practice or workout since July and has made a remarkable recovery. I have admired his poise and determination throughout this process.”

Subscribe to our YouTube channel on all things Bearcats athletics and Bearcat Blitz on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Bookmark Bearcats Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more.

You may also like:

Watch: Behind The Scenes Look At Cincinnati's Win Over Towson

Pittsburgh Coach Pat Narduzzi Gives Playing Prediction For Dontay Corleone

Look: Cincinnati Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Wins Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

Betting Odds: Cincinnati Slight Favorites Over Pittsburgh

Look: PFF Grades From Cincinnati's Week 1 Win Over Towson

Three Down Look: Cincinnati Beats Towson To Open 2024 Regular Season

Cincinnati Earns Commitment From 2025 Tight End DaMari Witherspoon

Scott Satterfield Updates Dontay Corleone's Availability as First Game Approaches

Former Cincinnati Assistant Josh Loeffler Praises Wes Miller's Player Relations

Look: Multiple Bearcats Make 2024 NFL Rosters Following Final Cuts

The Action Network Declares Cincinnati Second-Most Underrated Football Program Of CFP Era

Cincinnati Football 2024 Game-By-Game Predictions Part One

Scott Satterfield Dives Into Starting QB Decision: 'Gives us a Great Situation'

PFF Ranks Brendan Sorsby Outside Top-50 Power Conference Quarterbacks

Look: Cincinnati Bearcats Football Team Announces 2024 Captains

Six Cincinnati Bearcats Named to 2025 Senior Bowl Watchlist

Recruiting Roundup: Cincinnati Welcoming Four-Star Talents For Fall Visits

Report: Travis Kelce to Appear in Two Hollywood Movies as Star Shines Brighter

Watch: Tyson Veidt, Corey Kiner, and Kam Wilson Speak After UC Football Practice

Watch: Former Bearcats Quarterback Emory Jones Throws NFL Preseason Touchdown

Xzavier Henderson Bought JUGS Machine to Improve Game This Offseason

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on Bearcats Talk all the time!

Follow All Bearcats on Twitter: @BearcatsTalk

Like All Bearcats on Facebook: All Bearcats