Luther Maddy won't make his return from knee surgery against Pitt. (USATSI)
Luther Maddy won't make his return from knee surgery against Pitt. (USATSI)

Virginia Tech defensive tackle Luther Maddy will not play at Pittsburgh on Thursday night, delaying his return from minor knee surgery at least another week.

Maddy underwent srugery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee last month, and given the estimated time table for recovery (2-4 weeks), there was a chance he could suit up in the first of two Thursday night games in division play.

Unfortunately for the Hokies, defensive coordinator Bud Foster confirmed Monday that Maddy will not play on Thursday night against the Panthers.  

Maddy had an opportunity to enter the NFL Draft last season but chose to return to anchor the Hokies defensive front after leading the line with 55 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2013. Sophomore Nigel Williams has filled in as the Hokies starter with Maddy sidelined and is expected to start against Pitt on Thursday.

Losses to ECU and Georgia Tech set back momentum from Virginia Tech's win at Ohio State in September, but the Hokies can climb back into the ACC title race with wins against Pitt and Miami in the next two weeks.