Pitt Loses Starting LB to Injury

The Pitt Panthers will play the second half against Duke without a starting linebacker.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers lost a crucial piece of their starting defense in the second half of the regular season finale against Duke. 

Late in the third quarter after the Panthers had just given up a first down to the Blue Devils on the far side of midfield, starting linebacker Solomon DeShields went down with a lower-body injury and did not return to the game. 

DeSheilds went down on a first down late in the third quarter after his teammate, Bangally Kamara swatted a pass for an incompletion. He stayed on the ground for a moment as trainers inspected what looked like a left foot injury. He left the field and did not return for the rest of the drive, which ended in a 15-yard, go-ahead touchdown pass for the Blue Devils. 

DeSheilds has been one of the best players on the entire Pitt defense this season, which has been a career year for him. Despite missing all but one play of the Wake Forest game with an injury, he ranks third on the team in total tackles with 57, second in tackles for loss with eight and has two sacks as well.

UPDATE: DeSheilds eventually did return to the field later in the second half.  

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

Pitt S Joins Good Company During Duke Game

Pitt RB Ejected From Duke Game

Two Backups Missing From Pitt's Travel Roster

Pitt Responds to Florida Loss by Showing Toughness

Pitt at Duke: Game Info, Odds, Three Storylines

Pitt F Zack Austin Breaks Out in Brooklyn

• Follow Inside the Panthers on Twitter: @InsidePitt