Mason Heintschel to undergo MRI after exiting early against Virginia Tech
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Mason Heintschel will undergo an MRI on his injured right leg on Saturday after the Pittsburgh starting quarterback was forced to leave Friday night’s victory over Virginia Tech in the third quarter.
On3 college football insider Pete Nakos reported on Saturday morning that Heintschel was set to have the MRI in the aftermath of the Panthers’ thrilling, 35-33 road victory over the Hokies that kept Pittsburgh undefeated at 5-0. Virginia Tech fell to 4-1 in the battle of ACC unbeatens at Lane Stadium, but there was concern for Pittsburgh with its sophomore starting signal-caller.
Backup Holden Geriner entered the game for the injured Heintschel and helped lead the Panthers to the victory and a 2-0 mark in the ACC, but now Pittsburgh will wait for the results of Saturday’s MRI on Heintschel. He was injured while trying to scramble for a first down in the third quarter, remaining on the ground after the play and grabbing at his right knee while he felt the immediate pain.
After trainers got through checking on Heintschel, he went to the medical tent on the sideline to get further examined, needing to be carried by trainers. A short time later, Heintschel was seen hopping to the locker room with the help of trainers.
He finished his shortened night 10 of 18 for 113 yards with 1 touchdown pass and 0 interceptions.
With Pittsburgh staying undefeated, albeit barely and despite losing its starting quarterback on Friday night, the Panthers suddenly have their eyes set on a College Football Playoff berth. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about the top teams’ chances to be included in the field of 12 come December:
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
