Inside The Panthers

Injury Forces Pitt to Start True Freshman at LB

The Pitt Panthers lost a starting linebacker early against Wake Forest.

Stephen Thompson

Injury Forces Pitt to Start True Freshman at LB
Injury Forces Pitt to Start True Freshman at LB /
In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers lost a starting linebacker before the defense even took the field for the first time. 

DeShields went down with an unknown injury on the second kickoff of the game, after Pitt marched 75 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. 

He went to the injury tent and trainers seemed to check him for symptoms of a concussion - working on his balance after taking his helmet from him - according to a report from ACC Network sideline reporter, Marylin Payne. 

It would mark a major loss for the Panthers if DeShields cannot return. He leads the team in tackles for loss with 6.5 and is tied for third in sacks with two. 

Pitt had planned to get true freshman Jordan Bass more snaps this week but ended up giving him the first start of his career given DeShields' injury. Braylan Lovelace or Kyle Louis would have stepped in but they did not make the trip down to Winston-Salem, North Carolina with the Panthers. Brandon George should expect a step up in playing time as well. 

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

Pitt Facing First-Time Starting QB Against Wake Forest

Pitt Missing Two Backup LBs Against Wake Forest

Raptors Waive Former Pitt F Mouhamadou Gueye

Pitt At Wake Forest: Game Info, Odds, Three Storylines

Four-Star Pitt Target Commits to Florida State

Pat Narduzzi Calls Out Sign Stealing in College Football

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/News