Pittsburgh starting running back Ray Graham is “unlikely to play” in the Panthers’ season opener against Youngstown State on Sept. 1, sources told ESPN.
Graham, a senior, is still recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee suffered against Connecticut on Oct. 26 and has been limited in fall drills. Before last year’s injury, he was the nation’s second-leading rusher, averaging 134.1 yards per game.
Still a little disappointing if so. As the article notes, Graham would also be unlikely for the Cinci game that is only 5 days later (Thursday night) as well. But better to keep him out, even for the Cinci game as well for Graham’s own good — as well as Pitt for the rest of the season.
Small factual error in the piece that says Rushel Shell is the back-up to Isaac Bennett. Reality is that Malcolm Crockett is almost certainly the back-up to Bennett.
I agree..if he cant go vs YSU, then Cincy is likely out..and the VT game is meaningless in the grand-scheme of winning the BE..that gives him 4 weeks until the gardner webb game..whi is also meaningless..so conceivably, we may not see him until Fri October 5th..not unrealistic
I think that it is possible that Graham will see very limited action against Cincy, however, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him cheering from the sidelines all game.
I’m not concerned about our running game…I am scared stiff about Tino, et al.
What a BS’er. Can’t wait to see their butts kicked and him thumbing down RTE 66.
If team #1 is to win the Big East, his services should not be required for sure until the Syracuse game on 10/5.
We’ll see, but I sure hope that Graham himself and the coaches continue to err on the side of precaution. Sir Isaac should be able to carry the rock adequately until then.
As far as what this means to the team. It’s devasting imo. Ray Ray was probably the best RB in the country last year, what with playing with a team with hardly any passing attack and having teams stuff the box with 8-9 players, knowing that Sir Tiny can’t complete a pass over 15 yards.
He still was on pace to break TD’s single season record and was #2 in the Nation. You just don’t replace a guy the calibre of Ray.
Ray Ray also just needed an instant of daylight or he could create his own. So the blocking didn’t have to be great,,,and it wasn’t. This is going to put more emphasis now on being able to pass the ball to an extent. And that does not bode well as we need to run the ball as much as possible to eliminate Sunseri and his errant throws as much as possible.
What a bummer 🙁
It’s too early to drink a stiff one or I would !
Veritas et virtus
BTW, TX Panther, I’m still seriously advocating that valium Rx for Tino, if you’re looking for that magic elixer to calm his mind and free his spirit in the pocket.
My dad use to drink that at the Holidays.
Wonder if they’ll ship me some down here in Mid-Dixie ?? Hey you guys have to bring some of that to the Compass Bowl or Chumps Sports Bowl or whatever.
Thx for that wonderful info:
OhhowIhateOhioState (i was so depressed after reading Ray Ray isn’t going to play)
P.S >> thx Dr Tom for ur concern. Can u prescribe some meds for Sir Tino, to boost his performance. ha
Comment by pittisit37 08.22.12 @ 5:16 pm
lmao, here here