Pitt is ranked No. 17 in the country with a 3-0 record in the ACC going up against a Miami team Saturday that just knocked off N.C. State when the Wolfpack was ranked No. 18 last week.
But the Panthers might be without two of their premiere starters for the Noon kickoff at Heinz Field. Last Saturday, both starting receiver Jordan Addison and starting running back Israel Abanikanda were put into the concussion protocol for headshots they took in Pitt's win over Clemson.
There's been no indication either way from Pat Narduzzi if either player will be available for Saturday's game. Narduzzi indicated during his Monday press conference that the decision for either player to return to action would be up to Pitt's doctors and training staff, and it's still unclear as to what that final decision will be.
"It's going to be a game time decision for both," Narduzzi said of Addison and Abanikanda's chances to return. "I wish I could tell you more today, but this team's still got 48 hours. But they've got to feel good and they've got to get cleared by their doctors."
Abanikanda has become Pitt's primary running back who shares the backfield with Vincent Davis and Rodney Hammond Jr. He's the team's leading rusher with 403 rushing yards on 78 carries with four rushing touchdowns, and he's been a big reason for Pitt jumping up from being one of the ACC's worst rushing offenses last year to being ranked eighth through seven games.
But Addison isn't just special for Pitt, because he's one of the country's best wide receivers. He currently leads all FBS wide receivers with ten touchdown receptions, and has been a stellar playmaker for the Panthers' offense to lead their receivers as weapons for Kenny Pickett.
When asked if either player could still play Saturday even if they missed the week's worth of practices, Narduzzi leaned more to that being a possibility for Addison over Abanikanda.
"Jordan probably could," Narduzzi said. "But Izzy would need more reps. Jordan's a guy who could probably go out and play every position. He's really smart and can jump in all the spots. We'll make that decision. If we need Izzy (Abanikanda), we'll figure it out."
What's boosted the Panthers more this season has been the depth at several playmaker positions. Even when Addison has had less than explosive games, other receivers have stepped up to be the big-time playmakers. Jared Wayne was that for the Pannthers against Virginia Tech with 100-yard game and a touchdown, and Narduzzi sees other players stepping up in that role as well.
"Jaylon Barden has had a great week," Narduzzi said when asked how other players have looked in practice. "He could play at what we call the zebra position and the slot receiver position. We've also got Taysir Mack and a lot of playmakers out there. We've also seen Rodney and Vincent have good weeks. We have two we feel really good about back there."
