Wannstedt missed practice yesterday after tearing his left Achilles' tendon earlier in the day, requiring surgery that took place several hours after he was hurt.

The injury may prevent Wannstedt from being on the sideline Saturday for No. 23 Cincinnati's game at Pitt. The Panthers (2-4) have lost four straight games. Wannstedt may coach the game from the press box.

Pitt has had a long string of injuries that began when wide receiver Derek Kinder, the team's top returning offensive player, badly injured a knee on the first day of contact work during preseason camp. Kinder is sitting out the season.

Starting quarterback Bill Stull injured a thumb in the Sept. 1 season opener and has yet to return.