Pittsburgh, PA –  Pittsburgh running back Ray Graham will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury during Wednesday's game against Connecticut.

Graham was hurt during Pitt's first offensive series when he was tackled on a short run. He immediately grabbed his right knee and eventually had to be helped off the field.

The school said on Thursday that Graham will need surgery to repair the knee.

Graham was the second-leading rusher in the nation entering Wednesday's contest, averaging 134.1 yards per game. He finished his junior campaign with 958 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Panthers head coach Todd Graham also said junior receiver Cameron Saddler will miss the rest of the season because of a fractured sternum and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Matt Rotheram will also sit out the rest of the year because of a fractured left ankle that will require surgery.

"We are incredibly disappointed for these three young men," said coach Graham in a statement Thursday. "They have put so much work into our program and it's heartbreaking to see their seasons end prematurely. Even from the sidelines, I know they are going to remain important leaders who will continue to make an impact as we strive to reach our goal of a Big East championship."

Saddler had started seven of the eight games he played this season and had 19 catches for 207 yards. He was hurt during a 40-yard catch-and-run that set up Pitt's third touchdown in a 35-20 victory.

Rotheram had started the last two contests.

Pittsburgh improved to 4-4 with Wednesday's win, including 2-1 in the Big East. The Panthers will host conference-leading Cincinnati on November 5.