Isaac Brown and Duke Watson injury update every Louisville fan is anxiously awaiting

Louisville football is kicking off with the Pittsburgh Panthers in under three hours, and the Cardinals received some excellent news on their star running backs. While Pitt fans learned that their star running back, Desmond Reid, would not play, Cardinals fans learned that both Isaac Brown and Duke Watson would play, according to Pete Thamel.

This is massive news hours before kickoff, as the Cardinals' running back room was extremely thin after it was released that Keyjuan Brown, Jamarice Wilder, and Shammai Gates are all out. Both Isaac Brown and Watson are dealing with lower-leg injuries and have been questionable all week, but Thamel just dropped a massive update for Louisville fans, and the Cardinals are now feeling extra confident heading into Week 5.

Louisville fans get a massive injury update on star RB's

Thamel reports that both running backs traveled with the team and are "expected" to play against Pitt. Last week against Bowling Green, Watson missed the entire game and was ruled out hours before kickoff, while Brown was limited as he got just two touches in the first quarter and then was ruled out with a lower-leg injury.

With Florida State losing last night, the ACC race is wide open, and the Cardinals believe they can be that dark horse team that can fight for a spot in the ACC Championship game. This week's five showdown is a crucial step towards achieving that goal, and with Brown and Watson now on the field, Louisville fans feel confident that they should march into Acrisure Stadium and secure a win.

Last year, Louisville dominated Pitt and won 37-9, and Brown logged just 13 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns. The Preseason All-American was unstoppable, and with this week's matchup on the road, it will be crucial for Brohm to give him more than 13 carries and to lean on their star running backs.

The Cardinals' offense generated 507 yards last year, and the rushing attack was a key reason why. If Louisville wants to beat Pitt this afternoon, it must get its two stars going early and open up Miller Moss and the passing attack as the game progresses.

The Cardinals' offense just got a massive update, and the team should be feeling confident with their two superstars back on the field against Pitt this weekend.

Related: 5 reasons why the Louisville Cardinals will dominate the Pitt Panthers this weekend

The Cardinals and Panthers will kick off at noon local time in a crucial ACC showdown.