Pitt's Nix Hopes to Return from Knee Injury on Friday

Pittsburgh senior right guard Lucas Nix has been sidelined since hurting his knee in the second play of the South Florida game on September 29, but coach Todd Graham is optimistic about his chances of returning to the team on Friday against West Virginia. Nix's rehabilitation has been careful to avoid re-injuring the ligament that supports his left kneecap. Graham notes that Pitt's bye week last week gave Nix extra time to prepare, and he is anticipating his return to the lineup.

Key Takeaways:

Lucas Nix, Pitt's senior right guard, has been out since September 29 with a knee injury, but coach Todd Graham is hopeful he will return on Friday against West Virginia.
Nix's rehabilitation has been cautious to avoid re-injuring the ligament supporting his left kneecap.
Graham believes Nix has the best chance to play on Friday due to the extra time he had to prepare during Pitt's bye week.
Pitt used its seventh different five-man combination on the offensive line against Louisville, with Cory King starting at right guard for Ryan Schlieper.
Center Ryan Turnley, who has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in both feet for the past month, is the only Pitt offensive lineman to start every game at one position.
Senior Jordan Gibbs has started every game at either right tackle or left tackle, with Turnley being the center.

Statistics:

Pitt's offensive line has used seven different five-man combinations this season.
Lucas Nix has been out with a knee injury since September 29.
Ryan Turnley has not practiced for the past month due to plantar fasciitis.
Jordan Gibbs has started nine games at right tackle and one game at left tackle this season.
Pitt received its 19th commitment from the Class of 2012 recruit, cornerback Jahmahl Pardner.

Sources:

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.)
(c)2011 The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.)
www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib
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