With one target game having come and gone, the Cam Wright return watch is officially on.
The hope was that Wright could return to the lineup after surgery a few months ago for Pitt's game against Indiana earlier this week, but that didn't happen. The Panthers' next game is tonight against Duquesne and Wright is officially questionable for that one.
Per the Trib-Review, Jamie Dixon said the team would know more after practice Thursday, when he was expected to get his first live action. Dixon, though, doesn't sound too hopeful for a return:
“I don't know,” he said. “He hasn't played live, so I don't know how it could play out. I would think he would want to have more time playing against competition.”
We'll see. Some of that could be coachspeak, but some of it is also just reality. To be thrust into a game situation with just one live practice under your belt seems like it could be a bit hasty.
One thing throwing a wrench into plans could be that Pitt might be in for a tougher than expected battle with the Dukes, who are 3-1 and have blown out all three of their opponents in their wins. Without Wright, the defense could have trouble slowing Duquesne's offense, which is in the top ten in the nation so far.
Overall, though, I'm with Dixon here on erring on the side of caution. I'd much rather get a healthier version of Cam back rather than forcing him back too soon and not ever getting him 'right.'
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