Another tough break for Pittsburgh defensive end Doug Fulmer, as he has suffered yet another injury that will cost him a full season, and it also costs the Panthers one of their starters.
The redshirt junior will require surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee, leaving the Panthers without a player that defensive line coach Greg Gattuso called Pitt's "ace in the hole."
"It was brutal to lose Doug," Gattuso said of Fulmer, who fractured his right ankle in 2006 and missed last season with a torn ACL in his left knee. "I worry about losing the leadership and the toughness that he brought. We have to adjust and go forward. It's an opportunity for these young guys."
Fulmer started three of the first four games in 2006 before suffering the ankle injury against The Citadel. He injured his right knee last spring, which also required surgery. Fulmer had missed four consecutive practices last week before returning Sunday. He twisted his knee while rushing the passer during an 11-vs.-11 drill and came up lame.
Coach Dave Wannstedt said he’s unsure whether Fulmer, a redshirt junior, might qualify for another medical redshirt given the rapid succession of his injuries.“It’s just so unfortunate because the guy hasn’t had a chance because of all the variety of injuries,” Wannstedt said. “The plan right now is that he’ll have the surgery. We’ll see how the rehab goes, and then we’ll deal with it then.”
Jabaal Sheard, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound sophomore, is the favorite to replace Fulmer, although Sheard made only three tackles last year. He is one of the fastest defensive players on the team, however. Redshirt freshman Chas Alecxih and redshirt sophomore Tyler Tkach will also see increased playing time. Greg Romeus starts at the other end spot for the Panthers, who open their season Aug. 30 vs. Bowling Green.
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