Eli Holstein injury update: Pitt makes decision on starting QB vs. Louisville

Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein is set to return to the starting lineup for Saturday’s game against Louisville after missing the Clemson game last weekend, according to ESPN insider Pete Thamel.

The news was revealed by Thamel Saturday morning on Twitter.

“Sources: Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein will start today against Louisville, as he’s been medically cleared after missing the Clemson game last week. Pitt hadn’t named a starter yet this week. Holstein has 17 touchdowns and six interceptions in a breakout year for the Panthers,” Thamel posted.

With Holstein out last week, Pitt came up just short against Clemson, falling 24-20. The Panthers will face Louisville on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Holstein was injured on Nov. 9 in a loss to Virginia. He suffered an apparent head injury against the Cavaliers and was replaced by Nate Yarnell.

Injuries have become a recurring issue for Eli Holstein now. He previously left the Syracuse game with an injury in October. However, in that instance, he was able to return to action the next week for Pitt’s game against SMU.

The injury to Eli Holstein came in the third quarter of the game against Virginia when he slid but took a high hit from Trey McDonald. That earned McDonald a targeting call and ejection. Meanwhile, Holstein stayed down and was attended to on the field before he went into the injury tent.

Pat Narduzzi doesn’t like to share the exact details of injuries. However, he did feel as though Holstein would be okay after the game.

A once-promising season for Pitt has gone downhill as the Panthers have dropped three straight games after getting off to a 7-0 start. The slide started with a blowout loss to SMU, followed by close losses against Virginia and Clemson.

The Panthers will now look to get back on track at Louisville on Saturday. The 4 p.m. game will be televised by ESPN2. Pitt enters with a 7-3 (3-3) record, while Louisville is 6-4 (4-3).