Eli Holstein injury update: Is the Pittsburgh QB playing today against Clemson?

Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein has dealt with apparent head injuries from hard hits multiple times in recent weeks. So, ahead of the Pittsburgh Panthers' (7-2) matchup against No. 17-ranked Clemson Tigers (7-2) on Saturday, there was concern that he would not be available.

It was initially stated that Holstein would be a game-time decision. However, It was announced a few hours before the game that he was not expected to start. He has not been medically cleared to play.

Eli Holstein injury update

Eli Holstein left Pittsburgh's 24-9 loss to Virginia last Saturday after a hard hit. He was replaced by redshirt junior Nate Yarnell. Throughout the week there was not a decision on Holstein's status. Instead, the coaching staff repeated that a decision on whether he would play would come at game time. Ultimately, a few hours before the game started, the decision was made that Holstein would not play.

What happened to Eli Holstein?

Holstein was forced to leave two of the past three games for Pittsburgh after getting hit hard. The first time came in Week 9 when Holstein was hit hard out-of-bounds in the fourth quarter of a 41-13 win over Syracuse. He left the game and was replaced by Nate Yarnell.

Holstein was able to return the next week and played during the Panthers' 48-25 loss to No. 14-ranked SMU. However, on Saturday against Virginia, Holstein failed to find a passer early in the third quarter. As a result, he decided to rush with the ball, picking up five yards.

He took a slide in an attempt to end the play without getting hit. However, Virginia linebacker Trey McDonald hit him late and hard. Holstein immediately removed his helmet and the medical staff came onto the field to help him get up and go to the sideline. He went to the medical tent briefly before retiring to the locker room for further examination. He did not return to the game.

When will Eli Holstein return?

It is not yet clear when Holstein will return for the Pittsburgh Panthers. There was hope throughout the week that he would be ready for the Panthers' game against Clemson on Saturday. However, he did not get cleared by the medical staff.

Since he was a game-time decision on Saturday, it is reasonable to expect he should have a decent chance of returning for the Panthers' next game. However, a return timeline has not been announced.