According to Twitter and Richie Walsh--WR Dontez Ford is out to undergo surgery for Broken Collarbone.
Dontez Ford OUT
- Thread starter PittPanther5
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That would explain why we didn't see him again after the INT. Time for Mr. Matthews to step in and make the most of the opportunity!
Wow...
Well, as I said pre-season, I have NEVER seen a healthy Pitt team last a few games into any season.
We lost our starting LB, DE and WR now probably for the year. We are all jumping up and down when other teams get injuries... just cant do that. Karma is a biotch
Well, as I said pre-season, I have NEVER seen a healthy Pitt team last a few games into any season.
We lost our starting LB, DE and WR now probably for the year. We are all jumping up and down when other teams get injuries... just cant do that. Karma is a biotch
I'd hope that no one cheers injuries. Football is a violent sport. Injuries happen and they do not discriminate.
I wouldn't say "we" when describing how jubilant some are when another team has injuries. There is an outspoken few, but most have never wanted to see another team lose players to injury. Now seeing Kevin Givens get trucked by his own team mate last weekend was pretty damn funny given the circumstances around his recruitment. However, I didn't want to see him leave for the game or potentially miss an extended period of time.
He would be eligible for one, yes. However, he may be able to return in 6-8 weeks, which could mean 4 more regular season games, a CG, and a bowl.
i've read from many posters on this board that we have wr talent, they just need a chance. well my friends, no better time than the present.
No. He redshirted his first year at Syracuse in the fall 2012. He transferred to Pitt in Spring 2013 and was ineligible per transfer rules for Spring 2013 and Fall 2013. He became eligible after Fall 2013 and finished his RS FR year in the Quick Lane Bowl, the only game he was eligible for that season after sitting 2 semesters.
2014 RS Soph
2015 RS Junior
2016 RS Senior
The only way he gets a 6th year is if Syracuse documented a season-ending injury for him.
FWIW, Chris Clark can finish his RS FR year by playing in a Pitt bowl game if he is back to full health.
As for Ford, I see this as a possible blessing in disguise. Ford has made some plays in his career but he's a low ceiling guy. I think this gives a chance to Aaron Matthews to really break out. Its a classic example of a the staff a little nervous to put in that FR over a senior because they trust the senior more. Now, they dont have much of a choice and Matthews, though will surely be more inconsistent than Ford, can do things athletically that no one else on the team can.
Challingsworth will step into that role now. And, if Weah can't get it done, get that Matthews out there! Tipton's time to step up now too.
He would be granted a medical redshirt if this is a season ending injury. You don't have to have two years lost to injury just to get the 6th year allowance. You can take an actual redshirt (during a year of seasoning, like many do as true FR, or a transfer) and get a medical exemption for a 6th year. However, I would bet he will be back before the end of the season.
Actually yeah, you almost always have to have two season ending injuries to get a sixth year. The NCAA considers a non-medical redshirt a choice, and they generally do not reward people who make that choice with an extra season.
I mean, I feel for him. He'll be back this year though. Just later this season. But, this just gives us real chance to see what Pitt has in Tipton and Matthews. Also, gives Weah a sink or swim moment. I think Challingsworth and Ford are very similar. So... He'll fill right in. Like I said before, I swear I saw him on the field a ton in place of Ford last week.
Aside from Henderson, Tipton is the best natural athlete we have at WR. I believe he is fully healthy now, and it is time to show what he can do. Sooner or later we will be behind and need to play catch up ( I hope not this weekend at OK ST) so it is time to work on becoming a two dimensional offense. With the running game we have, we should be able to mix in successful pass plays quite often.
We need Tipton to be a big play guy and he is going to get his chance! Also agree that Matthews can help us with that big body.
We need Tipton to be a big play guy and he is going to get his chance! Also agree that Matthews can help us with that big body.
Exactly why I think Challingsworth takes his spot. The better question becomes who steps up on the other side between Weah and Matthews to make a play? And, when Tipton replaces Challingsworth on passing downs, can make some plays as well?
Did I hear somewhere that folks only expect Ford to miss 4 weeks?
