It won't get any easier for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. They're coming off one of the worst performances in team history last weekend, losing 38-3 to the Buffalo Bills. Now, they must face Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, they'll have to do so without a lot of their starters.
Credit: USA Today Sports
Tight end Pat Freiermuth will not be able to play this weekend, leaving the door open for a guy like Connor Heyward. Freiermuth suffered a concussion last weekend, his third in just two professional seasons. Quarterback Kenny Pickett and the Steelers offense will desperately miss his physical presence, especially against a stout defense like the Buccaneers have.
Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan confirmed Freiermuth's expected absence this weekend, as RB Najee Harris was actually the one to tell reporters. Rodney Williams may be elevated from the practice squad as well. While Zach Gentry has been dealing with a knee injury, his status has been encouraging throughout the week, so he should be able to play.
Elsewhere, star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick's status for the weekend is officially "out." He suffered a concussion a few weeks ago in addition to the knee injury he's still dealing with now. The injuries certainly affected him in the Week 5 loss to the Bills, so sitting him out this weekend may be for the best. Jenna Harner of WPXI provided the long list of guys ruled out for Week 6:
Long list of Steelers players ruled OUT for Sunday's game vs. Tom Brady and the Bucs
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) October 14, 2022
-Cam Sutton
-Ahkello Witherspoon
-Levi Wallace
-Minkah Fitzpatrick
-Pat Freiermuth
-DeMarvin Leal
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Fitzpatrick's not the only secondary member banged up, as the team will be without its top three cornerbacks. According to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, cornerback Josh Jackson ran with the first team's defense in Friday's practice. The 2018 second-rounder has been with the team's practice squad for most of the season before he was elevated to the active roster last weekend. This weekend, DB Elijah Riley will be elevated off the practice squad with all of the injuries.
As for the good news, starting center Mason Cole (foot) will be good to go. That's crucial for a group that continues to get better on a weekly basis. Other than when Cole left Week 1 for four snaps, the starting five along the offensive line has played every snap this season. A banged up secondary against Brady is certainly not a recipe for success though. Batko provided a look of what the secondary will look like this weekend.
Your likely Steelers starting secondary in Week 6 vs. Tom Brady:
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) October 14, 2022
CB - James Pierre, Josh Jackson
Slot - Arthur Maulet
S - Terrell Edmunds, Tre Norwood
Available off the bench: Elijah Riley, Miles Killebrew.
How concerned are you for the secondary in Week 6? Who will the team miss the most against the Bucs? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below!
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