Pre-Temple injury update

Pitt coach Paul Chryst just wrapped up his final media session of the week, talking about injuries as well as the Panthers' preparation for Temple. Here are the relevant notes and quotes...

- Chryst said Hubie Graham and Mark Giubilato, who both missed the Buffalo game, practiced fully this week and are expected to play Saturday. Both will probably be asked to help out blocking a lot, and it will be interesting to see if Pitt's running game picks up a little bit with two more guys to help pave the way. The running game has been deemed "inconsistent" by players and coaches over the last couple of weeks, so a strong showing Saturday would be a good sign for the rest of the season.

- It doesn't sound as optimistic for Shane Gordon, who was limited in practice this week. If Gordon can't go, Dan Mason will get another start in the middle. He was very productive in last week's game, with 11 tackles (here's link to today's P-G story about Mason and fellow linebacker Todd Thomas). Chryst said Manny Williams is definitely out this week with his ACL injury, so the starting linebackers will likely be the same group that played against Buffalo (Thomas at the 'Will,' Mason at the 'Mike' and Eric Williams at the 'Sam').

- Pitt announced last week that Ryan Turnley, Mike Shanahan, Cameron Saddler, Aaron Donald and Jarred Holley would serve as team captains for the rest of the season. Prior to that, Pitt had been rotating captains game by game.
"We’ve got guys I think that represent the group and where we’re at," Chryst said. "I feel good going forward with that group. I think it’s a good mix and the guys have all earned it."

- If you missed my weekly Pitt football chat earlier today, here's a link to the transcript.