Doctor Robert: Pitt vs. Iowa Injury Report

Pitt takes on Iowa Saturday and, as usual, there are some key injuries to consider.

We all know about James Conner being out for the season (or maybe not), but another running back has questions as well. Chris James was said to be healthy enough to play last week, but even with Conner out, he didn't play as the Panthers opted to give true freshman Darrin Hall the backup carries to new starter Qadree Ollison. You'd like to think with another week gone by that James would be ready - particularly since head coach Pat Narduzzi said he was ready last week. But until he actually gets onto the field, the questions will continue.

Adam Bisnowaty was banged up a little in camp, but still managed to start the season opener against Youngstown State. He missed the Panthers' last game, though, giving newly-converted lineman Brian O'Neill his first start at tackle. Narduzzi said afterward that he was probably healthy but didn't practice last week. The Post-Gazette's Sam Werner says he's expected to return, but things are still a little up in the air.

Also still somewhat questionable is safety Reggie Mitchell. The interesting thing here is that it sounds as if Terrish Webb could be playing himself into contention to be the starter anyway. Narduzzi said earlier this week that Webb being listed as the starter on the depth chart this week was due to Mitchell's injury or his play and he said a little of both, and also that Mitchell would "have his hands full when he comes back".

Take that for what you will.

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