After a week resting a sore shoulder and wearing a headset instead of a helmet in Pitt’s game against Delaware, Kenny Pickett will start at quarterback Saturday at Duke.

Coach Pat Narduzzi said Pickett practiced all week without restrictions after sitting out most of last week. He was injured in the Central Florida victory Sept. 21, came out of the game briefly but returned to lead the decisive touchdown drive.

“Kenny is back, ready to go,” said Narduzzi, who seldom comments on injured players. “I’ll talk about guys I know for sure will play. And Kenny will play.

“He’s 100 percent. He looks great.”

Pickett practiced Tuesday during the 30-minute open window, and Narduzzi said he improved daily.

“You (reporters) saw him Tuesday. It was even more on Wednesday and Thursday. I thought it was really, really good on Tuesday.”

Pickett has completed 107 of 176 pass attempts for 1,102 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He hasn’t thrown an interception since the opener against Virginia.

Get the latest news about Pitt football and all things Panthers athletics.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)