Pitt’s Quintin Wirginis Sustains Season-Ending Injury

 PITTSBURGH—Pitt senior linebacker and team captain Quintin Wirginis sustained a non-contact knee injury in practice Tuesday and underwent season-ending surgery today, Coach Pat Narduzziannounced.

Through six games, Wirginis ranked as the Panthers’ most productive defender, leading the team in tackles (41), tackles for loss (7.0), sacks (3.0) and forced fumbles (tied with two).

 In Pitt’s 44-37 overtime victory over Syracuse this past Saturday, he collected eight tackles, including a six-yard sack, and forced a crucial fumble that was returned for a 35-yard touchdown by teammate Dane Jackson.

“Our entire team is certainly heartbroken for Quintin,” Narduzzi said. “He was having an absolutely outstanding senior season, on and off the field, and we are very sorry it ended prematurely due to injury. Our team is one big family and we will certainly rally around him. Knowing Quintin, I have no doubt he will remain a huge influence in our locker room. His leadership will remain as valuable as ever for our program.”

The Panthers (3-3, 2-1 ACC) will play at No. 5 Notre Dame (6-0) this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised by NBC and shown locally on WPXI-TV.