Backup junior running back Rachid Ibrahim will miss the entire 2015 season because of a torn Achilles tendon, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi announced on Wednesday.
In his media briefing, Narduzzi referred to the injury as a “non-contact, freak injury.”
The first-year head coach noted the team likely won’t replace Ibrahim’s production with one player.
“I don’t want to focus on one guy because it’s a team effort and it’s time for other guys to step up,” Narduzzi said. “With that being said, anytime you lose a guy [like Ibrahim] that has played for you in the past, you lose experience, but you move on and keep going.”
Running backs coach Andre Powell said Ibrahim was devastated by the news.
“He was choked up shortly after they told him what it was [Achilles tendon injury] and what the recovery process was, but that afternoon he was in meetings talking with everyone,” Powell said. “He is a tough kid and a leader on the team so he’ll fight through it.”
Through two career seasons at Pitt, Ibrahim has rushed for 399 yards on 60 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per rush. He has hauled in 20 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown.
With the loss of Ibrahim, Pitt’s remaining running backs behind James Conner are sophomore Chris James, freshman Darrin Hall and redshirt freshman Qadree Ollison.
Pitt opens its season Sept. 5 when it takes on the Youngstown State Penguins at Heinz Field.
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