The Pitt defense has rarely caught a break this season. Even with some superstars poised to make their return to the lineup in time for a blockbuster matchup with No. 9 Notre Dame at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday afternoon, two starters weren’t listed in the lineup — and one didn’t even warm up.

Sean FitzSimmons, a product of Central Valley, was hurt in practice as No. 23 Pitt (7-2, 5-1 ACC) prepared to take on Notre Dame (7-2), a source confirmed with the Post-Gazette. The severity of FitzSimmons’ injury is unknown, but he was noticeably absent during warmups.

Safety Cruce Brookins did go through warmups, but Kavir Bains-Marquez was in over him.

Part of a deep and dominant defensive tackle group helping Pitt hold opponents to 80.9 rushing yards per game, the third fewest in FBS, this

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