Is Isaac Brown playing today? Louisville running back's availability for Week 13 explored

As the Louisville Cardinals (6-4, 4-3 in ACC) faces a critical matchup with the Pittsburgh Panthers (7-3, 3-3) to try and improve bowl position, running back Isaac Brown's status is questionable. The freshman running back has been the standout rusher all season for the Cardinals, but after a recent injury, his status against the Panthers is uncertain. Here's a deeper dive on Brown's injury and where he may stand moving ahead.

Isaac Brown Injury Update

Brown's outstanding freshman season was disrupted by an injury at Stanford last week. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Isaac Brown has had an outstanding freshman season, with 803 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He recorded three 100+ yard performances in his last five games before last week's loss to Stanford. An early injury forced Brown to exit the game in the first quarter and he finished with just two rushes for three yards.

With Brown available on the ground, Louisville still rushed for 162 yards, but lost to Stanford 38-35 after a fourth quarter collapse, largely led by the Cardinals defense.

What happened to Isaac Brown?

Brown sustained a shoulder injury in the Stanford game. Brown hasn't had a significant test of his durability, as he has just 108 rushes on the season. He scored a touchdown in each of the four previous games before the Stanford loss.

Brown did not return after his first-quarter injury. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said earlier this week that he was "hopeful" that Brown would be available against Pittsburgh. No other Louisville ball carrier has more than 47 carries on the season, so it's unclear who would be the next man up if Brown is limited or is not available.

When will Isaac Brown return for Louisville?

Given the uncertain status of Brown's return, it's certainly possible that Brohm and Louisville will press him into duty this week. If not, the Cardinals' regular season finale against Kentucky is another plausible situation for his return.

There's a good reason to think Louisville will try to work Brown into the lineup immediately. A second straight loss heading into the Kentucky game could cause Louisville to end the season at 6-6. On the other hand, beating Pittsburgh probably jumps the Cardinals over the Panthers in the ACC's bowl pecking order.

Given the relative stakes of the games ahead and Brown's lack of prior injuries, the prediction here is that he will likely play sooner rather than later.

What do you think of Louisville's situation with Pittsburgh, with or without Brown? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!