Hammond cleared to play for unbeaten Pitt

Pittsburgh running back Rodney Hammond will be available Saturday when the unbeaten Panthers open Atlantic Coast Conference play against North Carolina.Hammond was declared ineligible for the season on the eve of Pitt’s opener against Kent State on Aug. 31. The school decreased to provide a reason, though it specified at the time that Hammond remained a member of the team and was cleared to practice.Coach Pat Narduzzi stated Thursday that Hammond, the team’s leading rush in 2023, will be ready to go for the Panthers (4-0 )when they face the Tar Heels (3-2, 0-1). Editor’s Picks” Delighted as a coaching personnel and a group that he is back,” Narduzzi stated. “It’s terrific for everyone.” Narduzzi did not get into specifics about what triggered the modification in Hammond’s status.”Today he’s all set to play,”Narduzzi said.”That’s all I care about. That’s all I concentrate on. “Hammond will not be the starter against North Carolina. Desmond Reid, who was noted atop the depth chart beside Hammond when the season started, is off to a strong start. He is balancing an ACC-best 188.0 lawns from scrimmage, though he did miss a blowout win over Youngstown State two weeks ago with a minor injury.”Certainly, Desmond is the guy right now, the starter

, “Narduzzi said. “But Rodney’s been practicing every day since it happened and he’ll be prepared to roll.”