Inside The Panthers

Rodney Hammond Out, Deslin Alexandre In for Pitt vs. Tennessee

Pitt's leading rusher won't play against Tennessee.

Stephen Thompson

Rodney Hammond Out, Deslin Alexandre In for Pitt vs. Tennessee
Rodney Hammond Out, Deslin Alexandre In for Pitt vs. Tennessee /
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PITTSBURGH -- Rodney Hammond starred for a revamped Pitt Panthers offense in the season opener against West Virginia, but it came at a cost. Late in the second half, Hammond suffered a leg injury while a Mountaineer defender tackled him. 

It now appears that the Panthers will be down a back because Hammond is not warming up with his fellow tailbacks ahead of kickoff against the Tennessee Volunteers. Head coach Pat Narduzzi did not provide any updates on Hammond's status this week. 

The good news for Pitt is they still have two backs with starting experience available. Israel Abanikanda, who led the team in rushing a year ago and is listed as a co-starter on this week's depth chart, is active and so is Vincent Davis, who has 37 career games and more than 1,500 rushing yards under his belt. 

The Panthers will also get back senior captain and defensive end Deslin Alexandre, who went down with a wrist injury in the first half of the Backyard Brawl. He and reserve linebacker Brandon George were in uniform. George had missed time during camp with an undisclosed injury. 

Gabe Houy was not dressed. He is still listed as the first team right tackle for Pitt, but Matt Goncalves was announced as the starter. 

Defensive end Samuel Okundola, interior lineman Dorien Ford and receiver Jake McConnachie were the only other Panthers not in pads. They both missed the season opener as well. 

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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:

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