Inside The Panthers

Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda Out with Injury for Syracuse Game

The Pitt Panthers will play without their star running back this week.

Stephen Thompson

Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda Out with Injury for Syracuse Game
Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda Out with Injury for Syracuse Game /
In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- The ACC Network revealed some devastating news for the Pitt Panthers during their pregame show. Even though Israel Abanikanda was announced as the starting running back over the Acrisure Stadium public address system, Rodney Hammond took the first snaps. 

Abanikanda is "not expected to play" against the Orange, according to a Pitt spokesperson, after suffering an injury late in the North Carolina game. 

This is a massive loss for Pitt. Abanikanda is among the nation's leaders in all-purpose yards, rushing yards and touchdowns scored. His speed makes him a game-changing player for the struggling Panther offense.  

Hammond is likely to take the majority of the snaps this afternoon. Vincent Davis and C'Bo Flemister are the two tailbacks behind him. 

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

Pitt Secondary Took North Carolina Collapse Personally

Blake Hinson Shines for Pitt in Second Exhibition Rout

Pitt Searches for Answers to Fourth Quarter Woes in Practice

Disturbing Fourth Quarter Pattern Emerging for Pitt

Pitt Football News and Notes: Rivalry Week (Sort of)

Pat Narduzzi Draws from Experience Facing Ben Roethlisberger in UNC Preparation

Pitt Still 'Undefeated' Far as Pat Narduzzi's Concerned

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