PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel is out for the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee in a victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi made the announcement in a post on X on Saturday, about 24 hours after Heintschel was injured in the second half of what became a 35-33 win that boosted the Panthers' record to 5-0.

“We're heartbroken for Mason, but he's a resilient young man,” Narduzzi wrote. “We know he'll attack his recovery with the same determination he brings to our building every day.”

Heintschel was scrambling for yardage when he was tackled and fell to the ground with his right leg pinned behind him while simultaneously being hit by another Virginia Tech defender. He was in visible pain while being tended to by trainers and returned to the sideline later in the game on crutches.

Heintschel was off to an electric start for Pitt, throwing for 14 touchdowns against just one pick at the time of the injury.

Holden Gernier, a transfer from Auburn, came on for Heintschel and played well, throwing for 78 yards and a touchdown. Gernier figures to be the starter when Pitt (5-0, 2-0 ACC) hosts North Carolina (2-2, 0-1) at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 10.

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