The Pittsburgh Steelers made a lot of interesting decisions on the defensive side of the ball on Tuesday. One of those was the decision to keep eight defensive linemen. Now there is a lot of potential at the tail end of the depth chart. There is also the factor of special teams play. We've seen Carlos Davis, and Henry Mondeaux excel on the coverage units. But the biggest reason may be the health and mental state of Stephon Tuitt.
Tuitt hasn't practiced at all during training camp, or minicamp. His step brother was tragically murdered in a hit and run while his mother watched. That has obviously weighed on him, and his family. There is apparently another issue keeping Tuitt off the practice field though according to Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin.
“I’ll give you guys an injury report next week on Banner, Tuitt and others that you’re going to ask about,” Tomlin said.
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While Tomlin hasn't said exactly what the injury is for Tuitt, Steelers beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , Gerry Dulac is listing it as a knee injury.
Steelers considering putting Stephon Tuitt (knee) on injured reserve to start the season, which is why they kept 8 defensive linemen, one more than usual. Tuitt has not practiced this year.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) September 1, 2021
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We all know how Tomlin feels about practicing, and playing time. If you don't practice during the week, you don't play. There's been very few exceptions to that rule. Now even if Tuitt practices next week, is he going to be ready to play against the Buffalo Bills? Play maybe, but start? Not likely.
If the Steelers do place Tuitt on injured reserve, he would only have to miss three games due to the new rules adopted last year due to COVID. The extra roster spot could help if they need to add another offensive lineman in case Zach Banner isn't able to go Week 1.
Do yinz think we'll see Tuitt suited up by September 12th? Click to comment below!
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