On Thursday evening, Syracuse football released its initial injury report as mandated by the Atlantic Coast Conference, as the Orange prepares to host Pittsburgh on Saturday night.
One key player listed as out is freshman Byron Washington, a key contributor on the team's offensive line. On the flip side, freshman wide receiver Darius Johnson, who had been listed as out every other game, is listed as questionable against the Panthers.
Here are the players who are listed as out as of Thursday night:
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Tyshawn Russell (out for the season)
Redshirt junior quarterback Steve Angeli (out for the season)
Redshirt senior linebacker Derek McDonald
Redshirt junior defensive back Nate Prater
Sophomore running back/return man Malachi James
Freshman offensive lineman Jackson Iak
Freshman offensive lineman Byron Washington
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Nate Edwards
Junior defensive lineman Rashard Perry (out for season)
More on Syracuse football's injury report from Thursday evening.
The Orange players who are questionable:
Senior wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons
Redshirt junior linebacker Gary Bryant III
Freshman wide receiver Darius Johnson
Redshirt senior offensive lineman TJ Ferguson
Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Trevion Mack
The 'Cuse players listed as probable are:
Freshman defensive back/wide receiver Demetres Samuel Jr.
Junior wide receiver Johntay Cook II
Senior defensive lineman Denis Jaquez Jr.
Redshirt sophomore defensive back Chris Peal
Senior safety Devin Grant
Redshirt senior tight end Dan Villari
Senior defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr.
Hopefully, no more Syracuse football players will be listed as out when the squad releases further injury reports on Friday night and then before the game on Saturday. Here's how to watch the Orange host the Panthers at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The 'Cuse looks to halt a two-game losing streak. Pittsburgh has won two in a row, including a victory over then-No. 25 Florida State in Tallahassee last Saturday. For the Orange to knock off the Panthers, quarterback play will be critical, and the 'Cuse offensive line has to do its part.
What's more, Syracuse football needs to establish more of a run game, which could be tricky, as the Panthers enter this ACC clash allowing the fewest rushing yards per contest within the league, at just 83.5.
If the Orange can find more consistency on defense, see its quarterback and rushing attack fare well, and win the turnover battle, Syracuse football has a good shot to beat PItt. And if 'Cuse can get past the Panthers, that will prove huge for the Orange's post-season bowl chances.