The Pittsburgh Steelers loss in Week 5 was one of the worst we've ever seen. The team walked away from the game even more banged up than before as well. Head coach, Mike Tomlin provided an update on all of the injuries in his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
- Akhello Witherspoon (hamstring)
- Cam Sutton (hamstring)
- Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee)
- Levi Wallace (concussion protocol)
- Larry Ogunjobi (back)
- Montravius Adams (hip)
- Pat Freiermuth (concussion protocol)
- Zach Gentry (knee)
That's quite long, a laundry list if you will. Tomlin didn't rule out any of the eight guys for Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, however. The eight injuries only cover three main position groups: secondary, defensive line, and tight ends. The secondary in particular continues to be mightily banged up, as the team's top three corners are all a question mark for this weekend.
Witherspoon missed Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, but Tomlin didn't rule him out for Week 6. As is the case with the other seven guys, practice availability will be an indicator of how he's progressing throughout the week. Tomlin declared Sutton as "out" for the moment, but didn't rule him out this weekend either. Those two probably face the most uphill climbs in trying to play against the Bucs. Josh Jackson may see some playing time against the Bucs, as Arthur Maulet will likely continue to start in the slot as well.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Injuries to the team's top two tight ends means rookie Connor Heyward will likely get an extended look. Even if Gentry and Freiermuth are able to play, Heyward will be asked to step in and contribute. Rodney Williams currently stands as the team's fourth tight end, as he's on the practice squad. He'd likely be the one elevated to the active roster if one of the top two aren't able to go.
The injuries to Ogunjobi and Adams are concerning for the defensive line room, as it's been a group that has somewhat disappointed this season. DeMarvin Leal and Tyson Alualu would be the immediate beneficiaries if one of those starters weren't able to go this upcoming weekend. This is all just Tomlin's initial injury update, but we will find out more as the week progresses. Practice reports will be telling in which of these guys will play in Week 6.
Which of these injuries concerns you the most? What should the team do about the secondary? What is your biggest concern with this team moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
