Virginia Tech received some encouraging injury news Thursday night, with several key offensive players moving closer to returning for Friday night's matchup against Pitt.
Starting wide receiver Ayden Greene is no longer listed on Virginia Tech's availability report, clearing the way for his return after missing last week's 21-14 win over Boston College. Greene had been listed as probable Wednesday after sitting out against the Eagles. He has eight receptions for 125 yards through his first three games.
The Hokies also appear likely to get starting right guard Montavious Cunningham back. Cunningham, who missed the Boston College game after suffering an injury in practice last week, remains listed as probable. Head coach James Franklin said earlier in the week that both Cunningham and Greene were expected back against the Panthers.
That would be a significant boost for an offensive line that remains without starting left tackle Justin Terry. Terry has officially been ruled out for the second consecutive game after suffering an injury against Maryland. James Franklin said earlier in the week that Terry is expected to miss multiple weeks.
Brody Meadows, who was injured during the first half against Boston College, has also taken a step forward. After being listed as questionable Wednesday, Meadows was upgraded to probable for Thursday's report. His potential return, combined with Cunningham's expected availability, could provide some much-needed stability up front despite Terry's absence.
Wide receiver Luke Stuewe also continues to trend in the right direction. Stuewe was questionable on Wednesday's report but was upgraded to probable Thursday. He returned to practice last week for the first time in a while after dealing with an injury, making his progression to probable another positive development for a receiving corps that has dealt with several injuries.
Elsewhere for Virginia Tech, defensive lineman Emmett Laws remains out. Wide receivers Takye Heath, Shamarius "Snook" Peterkin and L.J. Booker, running back Bill Davis, cornerback Jojo Crim and offensive linemen Lucas Austin and Roseby Lubintus were all downgraded from questionable to doubtful on Thursday's report.
Pitt is dealing with several notable absences of its own. Wide receivers Malik Knight and Rodney Dunbar, tight end Max Hunt, defensive linemen Ben Kauffman and Trevor Sommers and defensive back Isaac Patterson have been ruled out. Defensive lineman Zach Crothers and tight end Elijah Lagg are doubtful, while defensive back Cruce Brookins is questionable. Brookins is the name to monitor the most as his absence at safety would be a hit to Pittsburgh's defense.
There is better news for the Panthers at running back. Justin Cook and Ja'Kyrian Turner are both probable, with Turner being upgraded earlier in the week. Turner has been Pitt's top running back, making his expected availability significant for the Panthers' offense.
The final availability report roughly two hours before kickoff will be the last update.. Virginia Tech and Pitt are scheduled to meet Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Lane Stadium, with the game televised on ESPN. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated at 4-0.
Sign up for the TLP newsletter to get all our great coverage of the Hokies including some exclusive content right in your inbox multiple times per week here.
