Pat Narduzzi updates Pitt injury situation ahead of UNC

Pitt has largely escaped the threat of injury, but that doesn't mean the Panthers haven't had to battle some bumps and bruises en route to their first 4-0 start since 2000.

Pitt is coming off an off week, the first of two next month, and that has helped a handful of Panthers get some rest. Pat Narduzzi reported some key injuries during his weekly press conference on Monday.

The first – and most important – is Desmond Reid.

Desmond will be back,” Narduzzi said. “…I told you after the game he could have been back last week but it was kind of like he wasn't 100% but now he's 100%.”

Reid was limited in the fourth quarter against West Virginia a few weeks ago and was held out of the win at Youngstown State as a precaution. A healthy Reid is a game-changer – perhaps the best in the ACC.

Reid has been a revelation in three games this season, recording 44 carries for 319 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and one touchdown, 13 receptions for 167 yards (12.8 yards per reception), as well as three touchdowns and one punt return -Touchdown of 78 yards.

And Reid isn't the only running back who's likely to see a lot of action in the near future. Juelz Goff was sidelined early in his college career due to an arm injury, but is now back at it.

“(Juelz got) us a spot on the scout team,” Narduzzi said. “He did a good job down there. He is fast and will also be a special defender. He will be back soon too. He’s dressed up and ready to play every day, and he’s done that in the last two games.”

Goff may only be a rookie, but he entered his freshman season expecting to be an immediate contributor. He followed a 1,600-yard junior season at Central York with a 1,600-yard, 31-touchdown senior season. He is an almost perfect mix of speed and agility in the backcourt.

Goff hasn't played yet and Reid, Daniel Carter and Derrick Davis Jr. stand in his way, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Goff take some snaps this season.

And there is also an injury update on the defensive side of the ball.

Sean FitzSimmons hasn't made his debut yet this season due to injury, but he's close.

“Yeah, as I get closer, I think Fitzy is almost back,” Narduzzi said. “I’d like to see 55 out there this week. He looked pretty good last week.”

FitzSimmons hasn't taken a snap this season, and it's a shame he wasn't able to showcase his prowess in interior defense – an area where it is desperately needed this season. He has made just 57 defensive shots over the course of his career.

In his short Pitt career, FitzSimmons has recorded four tackles (two solo), one tackle for loss and one sack.

It's very likely that Anthony Johnson will miss the extension, so FitzSimmons should join a defensive tackle rotation that includes Nick James, Nahki Johnson, Isaiah Neal, Francis Brewu, Jahsear Whittington and Elliot Donald. The exact rotation remains to be seen.