Boston College linebacker Bodie Kahoun has returned to practice following a neck injury that sidelined him for three games earlier this season. The redshirt sophomore, who sustained the injury during the game against Rutgers on September 11, resumed full team activities during the Eagles’ bye week and is expected to play in the upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference matchup against Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Kahoun’s injury initially required emergency medical attention, with the player transported by ambulance to Brigham and Women’s Hospital. His recovery and return to the field come as a boost to Boston College’s defense, which has shown signs of improvement despite the team’s 2-3 overall record and 0-2 mark in conference play.

In his first practice back, Kahoun demonstrated a renewed aggressiveness by calling for a blitz on his opening snap. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker, a transfer from Notre Dame, is anticipated to strengthen a defense tasked with containing Pittsburgh’s offense.

Pittsburgh enters the game with a 5-1 record and 2-1 in ACC play, but will be without starting quarterback Mason Heintschel, who missed last week’s defeat to North Carolina and is expected to sit out Saturday’s contest. Holden Geriner is expected to make his second career start in Heintschel’s absence. Despite Geriner’s two interceptions in his first start, Boston College coach Bill O’Brien cautioned against underestimating the backup quarterback.

“O’Brien emphasized the importance of containing Pittsburgh’s key offensive weapons, including running back Damon Ferguson Jr., who has accumulated 319 rushing yards, and receiver Cataurus Hicks, who leads the team with 365 receiving yards. The Panthers’ offensive line also presents a significant challenge for BC’s defense.

Defensive back Charlie Comella has emerged as a key contributor for Boston College, recording seven tackles in consecutive games. A native of Wellesley and alumnus of Xaverian Brothers High School, Comella has also contributed on special teams. O’Brien praised Comella’s efforts this week, highlighting him as an example of the type of player the program aims to recruit.

With Kahoun’s return and the continued development of defensive players like Comella, Boston College hopes to improve its overall defensive performance and influence the flow of Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh. The contest will take place at Boston College’s home stadium, where the Eagles aim to defend their turf despite facing a potent Panthers offense led by a backup quarterback.