Inside The Panthers

Pitt Expects Four Injured Players Back After Bye Week

Pat Narduzzi said the Pitt Panthers are hopeful they will get four starters back in two weeks.

Stephen Thompson

Pitt Expects Four Injured Players Back After Bye Week
Pitt Expects Four Injured Players Back After Bye Week /
In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers have been bitten by the injury bug so early and so often that head coach Pat Narduzzi claimed it has been the story of the season for his team so far. But he expects that to change following the well-timed bye week in front of him. 

Narduzzi said following Pitt's 45-29 win over Virginia Tech that he expects four players back, all of them on offense. Narduzzi said he's optimistic running back Rodney Hammond, receiver Konata Mumpfield and offensive linemen Carter Warren and Owen Drexel will all be available when the Panthers travel to Lousiville in two weeks. 

"We get a week off, which is much needed," Narduzzi said. "I think we'll have some guys back. Rodney Hammond will be back. Pregame, I'm like, 'Dude, you ready to go?' He went through pregame. He looks like he's ready to go. Hopefully we'll get two starting offensive linemen back. Hopefully Konata will be back."

Hammond, listed as a co-starter until Week 5 when Israel Abanikanda took over the role, dressed but did not play against Virginia Tech. Mumpfield, Warren and Drexel did not. Neither did linebacker Brandon George. His injury, which has kept him out multiple non-consecutive weeks this year, is undisclosed. 

Narduzzi did not update the health of defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado and linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who both missed time in the second half of the win over Virginia Tech. 

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage and so much more!

Pitt Players, Pat Narduzzi React to Israel Abanikanda's Record-Setting Day

3 Winners, 3 Losers from Pitt's Win over Virginia Tech

What to Make of Pitt After Unimpressive Blowout Win

Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi Not Pleased With Refs in Virginia Tech Game

Israel Abanikanda Reacts to Breaking Tony Dorsett's Record

Israel Abanikanda Breaks Pitt Rushing Record

More Details Emerge on Dior Johnson's Arrest

Published
Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

Home/Football