Eli Holstein’s return to the Pittsburgh Panthers starting lineup was short-lived. After getting back to full health in time for the team’s Week 13 clash with the Louisville Cardinals, the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback exited the game early.
What Happened to Eli Holstein?
The Pitt quarterback, who had helped guide the Panthers to a 7-3 record ahead of the Week 13 clash with Louisville, was sacked by Cardinals standout pass rusher Ashton Gillotte during the first quarter of the all-ACC clash. Holstein appeared to be in immediate agony as he crumpled to the floor under the tackle.
Holstein, who had completed three of five pass attempts for 51 yards with one interception prior to his injury, was taken off the field on a cart with an air cast visible on his leg. The injury was described as “ankle” related by multiple reports, but no official injury update had been provided by Pittsburgh at the time of writing.
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Holstein returned to the starting lineup after head coach Pat Narduzzi ducked the quarterback question in the build-up to the game. He has been the starter for the Panthers for most of the year, but has also suffered a laundry list of injury issues during the 2024 season.
He missed the Week 12 game against the Clemson Tigers with a concussion sustained against the Virginia Cavaliers. Holstein also left the clash with the Syracuse Orange earlier in the year after a heavy hit. His injury status has been a consistent thorn in the side of a Panthers season that has, in many respects, defied preseason expectations.
Prior to Week 13, Holstein has completed 61.9% of his 286 passing attempts in nine appearances. He’s tallied 2,177 passing yards with 17 touchdowns, while adding 323 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
A redshirt-freshman, Holstein still has three season of eligibility remaining. However, at this moment in time, it looks unlikely that he’ll play for Pittsburgh again this year. The Panthers wrap up their 2024 campaign with a road trip to the Boston College Eagles. They’re already bowl eligible, regardless of what happens throughout the final two weeks of the regular season.
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