Pitt backup quarterback Nick Patti leaves game against Tennessee with injury

Pitt quarterbacks have had a rough day against Tennessee’s defense. Starter Kedon Slovis got knocked out of the game on a sack-fumble late in the first half and his backup — Nick Patti — left the game after a third down sack early in the fourth quarter.

Patti, after being attend to by athletic trainers, walked off under his own power to the sideline. Pitt, facing fourth down, kicked a field goal to make it 24-20, Tennessee. As Tennessee began it’s offensive series, the ABC broadcast showed Patti up and walking around the bench with his helmet off.

If Patti cannot keep going, Pitt will be turning to either Derek Kyler or Nate Yarnell at quarterback. Kyler was seen warming up as Patti sat on the field with the trainers.

Pitt starter Kedon Slovis only made it through one half against Tennessee

After taking a sack — leading to a fumble and a Tennessee field goal right before the half — Pitt quarterback Slovis was slow to get up and come off the field. Pitt did not take the field on offense again in the half.

And now ahead of the second half, it looks like Slovis might be out, according to a number of reports from the stadium. Slovis did not take the field for warmups ahead of the second half and backup quarterback Patti was intently warming up. The broadcast coming into the second half explained Slovis had an “undisclosed injury.”

Pitt started hot, getting out to a 10-0 lead against the Vols. But as Tennessee’s defensive front kept batter Slovis, it started to add up. Now he will be out for the remainder of the game.

Tennessee fought back and took the lead before the half and now it will fall on Patti to keep Pitt in it.

Slovis was 14-for-24 for 195 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the first half.