The Pittsburgh Steelers ended Week 5 with a brutal loss to the Dallas Cowboys. There were plenty of issues in that game that were both in and out of their control, and they will have a lot of problems to fix before their Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, his staff, and his players have a lot of work to do if they want to end the losing streak, but it will be a lot harder after the news that the head coach broke down on Tuesday.
During his Tomlin Tuesdays press conference, he talked about all the injuries that the team has. For starters, they only have two healthy edge rushers. Alex Highsmith is still recovering from the groin injury that he suffered in Week 3, but two more names popped up. Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal are both already ruled out for Week 6, along with Highsmith. Herbig has a hamstring injury, while Leal is dealing with a neck issue. Neither of them bode well for the short-term future.
Because of that, TJ Watt and Jeremiah Moon are the only healthy edge rushers currently on the 53-man roster. Moon just came off of Injured Reserve (IR) and made his season debut against Dallas. The Steelers will most likely sign some depth to the practice squad during the week, but losing three players at one position is never a good sign. Someone currently not on the team will have to step up in a big way. Isaiahh Loudermilk will also start taking reps on the outside to help out.
The Steelers will also continue to be short on running back depth. Cordarrelle Patterson was also declared out already after suffering an ankle injury in Week 4. He has been a great change-of-pace back when he was healthy, as his pure speed made a nice complement for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren’s power-run style. The Steelers could really use that kind of depth again.
Many Steelers Players Are Also “Doubtful” To Play
Speaking of Warren, he at least has a slight chance to play, which is more than many of his teammates can say. His knee injury has been a problem for a while now, and the Steelers are anxious to get him back. With all that in mind, Aaron Shampklin and Jonathan Ward will likely serve as the kick returners and backup running backs again, just like they did against the Cowboys.
Before their game against Dallas, safety Damontae Kazee rolled his ankle while getting some more practice reps in during pregame warmups. He played throughout the game in his normal role, but Tomlin mentioned that it started swelling up afterwards, which is why he was also listed as doubtful. Terrell Edmunds may have to take over as the “dimebacker” for at least a week, as long as he is up to speed with the defense.
MyCole Pruitt has also been dealing with a knee injury. The situation has not gotten much better, as hindsight says that the Steelers probably should have placed him on IR. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith loves using three tight ends, so his size and blocking ability is missed in his offense.
Russell Wilson has been a limited participant in practice every day since Week 1, but that might finally turn around. Tomlin mentioned that he is scheduled to be a full participant in practice for the first time in over a month as they get on the field on Wednesday. He also mentioned that he will get reps with the second-team offense as Justin Fields prepares to start against the Raiders. With Wilson finally getting healthy, it’s about time for an official decision to be made on who is QB1.
