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Rashad Weaver gets conflicting test results, won't play; Pitt says seven players will miss opener because of covid protocols | TribLIVE.com
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Rashad Weaver gets conflicting test results, won't play; Pitt says seven players will miss opener because of covid protocols

Jerry DiPaola
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Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Pitt’s Rashad Weaver runs spring drills with the team during practice Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side.

Pitt defensive end Rashad Weaver won’t play Saturday against Austin Peay after getting conflicting results from four covid-19 tests. Pitt officials announced that seven players won’t play because of “covid-related protocols.” The university did not identify the players.

Weaver, who missed all of last season with knee injury, tweeted “see y’all next week” after tweeting he had taken four covid-19 tests this week, getting two positives and two negative results. The last test, which was negative, occurred Friday, he said.

Pitt has decided to keep him out of the game as a precautionary measure. Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi had no comment before the game, but he said Thursday, “We can’t put anyone out there that will risk somebody else’s health.”

It is an unfortunate blow for Weaver, who was considered one of the best defensive ends in the ACC last year before injuring his knee in training camp.

He will be the third starter missing from Pitt’s highly regarded defense. They will be replaced by sophomores Devin Danielson at defensive tackle, Marquis Williams at cornerback and Habukkuk Baldonado at end.

Defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman, a preseason All-American, opted out last month after the first day of training camp to be with his family and prepare for the NFL Draft.

Pitt may be without other players Saturday, some because of injuries suffered in training camp.

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

Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.

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