Dan Mason, Manny Williams, Ryan Schlieper out for the year

Dan Mason finally appeared to have found his groove getting back into the starting lineup, until Saturday where he came up with a huge fourth and goal stop. Mason was slow to get up and it is now realized Mason lacerated his liver. Chris Peak of Pantherlair and Chris Werner of the Post Gazette broke the news on Twitter this morning.

Mason has battled so much to get back to this point. He is considered a medical miracle that he is still playing. Mason had a nice spring practice, but it was still considered a long shot that he would play much this season. Mason has proved everyone wrong by starting the past two weeks.

Manny Williams is also out for the season. Williams has been hobbled for the past week or so, but it has since been confirmed he is indeed out for the season. Pitt will be taking on a physical running team this weekend at Notre Dame, and they be thin at the Linebacker position. Todd Thomas has been solid in his return, and Eric Williams has had a productive season. Guys like Shane Gordon and Nicholas Grigsby need to step up this weekend.

The offensive line saw Ryan Schlieper go down in the Temple game, and he was replaced mid game by Arthur Doakes. Schlieper has started every game this season, and the offensive line as a whole played very well Saturday. Doakes and Shane Johnson are the two backup offensive guards, and I imagine both will have to play.

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