Pitt will have 16 players out due to COVID-19 protocols

Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty ImagesSixteen Pitt players will not participate in Saturday’s matchup with Virginia Tech due to COVID-19 protocols, according to a statement from the Pitt Athletics Department. The specific players missing have not been named, but some that have been spotted at Heinz Field warming up include Kenny Pickett, D.J. Turner, Jimmy Morrissey, Bryce Hargrove, Alex Kessman and Patrick Jones II.

Pitt’s COVID-19-related absences will be offset to some degree by 12 absences on Virginia Tech’s side. Again, the identities of the missing players were not revealed by the school, but with such sizable portions of both teams missing, the absences have the potential to impact the…