Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was taken off the field in a cart after suffering a left leg injury during the first quarter, while being sacked in the Panthers’ 37-9 loss to Louisville in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Holstein’s left ankle got caught in an awkward position under the hip of Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte during a tackle, which resulted in a 4-yard loss at midfield. Medical staff rushed to Holstein’s aid, and a cart arrived quickly to help him off the field.
His leg was placed in a boot before he was helped onto the cart. Holstein gave a thumbs-up to his teammates as he was driven off, and the crowd applauded as he was taken to the hospital for observation.
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said after the game that Holstein was “banged up,” but did not give more details.
Gillotte, who had two sacks and three tackles for loss in the game, mentioned that he realized Holstein was hurt after the play.
“I know I landed on him at probably an awkward angle,” said Gillotte. “He was obviously in a lot of pain. Just prayers for him and his family. I hope he gets better.”
Holstein had started the game for the Panthers (7-3, 3-3 ACC) after missing the previous week’s 24-20 loss to No. 17 Clemson due to a head injury from the game against Virginia. He had also left an Oct. 24 game against Syracuse after taking a hit but had returned to play against SMU.
Before leaving the game, Holstein completed 3 of 4 passes for 51 yards but was intercepted by Louisville’s Stanquan Clark in the end zone on the opening possession. Holstein was replaced by junior Nate Yarnell, who finished the game with 11 completions on 23 attempts for 96 yards, including a touchdown in the third quarter. However, Yarnell also threw an interception, which Louisville turned into a touchdown for a 24-0 lead.
