CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina could be without several starters when it travels Saturday against No. 25 Pittsburgh. Isaiah Johnson, Peyton Waters, Jaylen Harvey And Jordan Room were all listed as questionable in the Tar Heels’ initial availability report, released Wednesday evening per ACC policy.
Johnson started all four games for UNC this season, totaling 12 tackles before leaving early in Saturday’s loss to Notre Dame. Alongside Johnson on the defensive line, Harvey recorded five tackles for loss – the second most on UNC’s defense – and two sacks in four games, making his potential absence another blow to Carolina’s defensive front.
In the secondary, Waters started all four games for UNC this season, playing at both safety and cornerback. The Washington transfer totaled 15 tackles and one assist in four games.
If Hall remains out Saturday in the Steel City, it would mark the Tar Heel left tackle’s second straight absence after missing last weekend’s loss to Notre Dame. In his absence, left guard Andrew Threatt moved to tackle, while freshman Christian Alvarez joined the starting lineup.
The good news for the Tar Heels is that Melkart Abou Jaoudé is not listed in Wednesday’s initial availability report. After missing two games with a hand injury suffered in the season opener against TCU, the ACC’s sack leader last season returned to action against Notre Dame, recording 41 snaps against the Fighting Irish.
Questionable for UNC
DL Isaiah Johnson
DB Ade Willie
DL Donovan Hoilette Jr.
DB Peyton Waters
DL Jaylen Harvey
DB Jakob Weather spoon
DB Xavier Jackson
OL Jonas Rodriguez
OL Jordan Room
TE Dream Rashad
DL Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu
Outing for UNC
DL Viliami Moala
TE Jordan Washington
WR Keeyun Chapman
DL Vodney Cleveland
Texas transfer tight end Washington remains sidelined and has yet to make his debut for the Tar Heels. Meanwhile, freshman receiver Chapman, who was suspended indefinitely following a Sept. 15 traffic stop, remains out.
Per ACC policy, North Carolina will provide updated reports each day leading up to Saturday’s game, with the final report expected two hours before kickoff.
According to the ACC’s availability reporting policy, a probable designation indicates a 75 percent chance that a player will participate, while doubtful indicates a 50 percent chance and questionable a 25 percent chance.
Gn sports
