Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said Monday running back James Conner is continuing his recovery from knee surgery, but he's still not totally healed.
Narduzzi did not rule out Conner returning this season, however.
“I don't think he's 100 percent right now, and he's not going to go out there if he's not,” Narduzzi said. “But he's getting closer. We'll see.”
Conner, who tore the MCL in his right knee in the opener Sept. 5 and had surgery three days later, has been doing calisthenics with teammates prior to practice the past two weeks. He has not worked out in pads.
Narduzzi said last month Conner might be able to play in the last “couple games” of the season. Pitt plays Louisville on Saturday and Miami six days later to conclude the regular season.
“He's worked out hard,” Narduzzi said. “We still haven't had that conversation (about returning before the end of the season). We haven't had time. He'll come to me if he wants to play.”
Asked if Conner could return for the bowl game next month, Narduzzi said, “I don't know. I have no idea. Possibly. You guys could guess that.”
Jerry DiPaola is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at jdipaola@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JDiPaola_Trib.
Narduzzi did not rule out Conner returning this season, however.
“I don't think he's 100 percent right now, and he's not going to go out there if he's not,” Narduzzi said. “But he's getting closer. We'll see.”
Conner, who tore the MCL in his right knee in the opener Sept. 5 and had surgery three days later, has been doing calisthenics with teammates prior to practice the past two weeks. He has not worked out in pads.
Narduzzi said last month Conner might be able to play in the last “couple games” of the season. Pitt plays Louisville on Saturday and Miami six days later to conclude the regular season.
“He's worked out hard,” Narduzzi said. “We still haven't had that conversation (about returning before the end of the season). We haven't had time. He'll come to me if he wants to play.”
Asked if Conner could return for the bowl game next month, Narduzzi said, “I don't know. I have no idea. Possibly. You guys could guess that.”
Jerry DiPaola is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at jdipaola@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JDiPaola_Trib.
