The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a crucial loss in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, falling to 3-7 on the 2022 season now. There were a few silver linings to take away from the AFC North matchup. While the loss made it even less likely for the team to make the postseason, quarterback Kenny Pickett, for example, showed signs of growth.
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Additionally, the team walked away without many key injuries again. Since the team's Week 9 bye, they've been able to get healthy. In the two games since then, they haven't suffered many injuries (knock on wood). Against the Bengals, backup running back Jaylen Warren left the game with a hamstring injury. He wasn't able to return to action, as Najee Harris had his second consecutive solid performance.
In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin said that Warren has a chance to play on Monday Night Football In Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts. He will be limited early in the week, while his practice availability later in the week will be a good indicator on his chances of playing. Tomlin said the same for wideout and core special teamer, Miles Boykin, who is dealing with an abdomen injury. Boykin, the former Baltimore Ravens third-rounder, has become a crucial guy for special teams coach, Danny Smith.
There is some good news for starting center, Mason Cole, who also left the Week 11 matchup with a foot issue. Tomlin said Cole hasn't been ruled out for Week 12, as he will be limited early in the week as well.
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The offensive line unit has stayed healthy all season, as the core five guys have started every game. Cole is the only one that has left a game actually, as he's done so twice. JC Hassenauer stepped in for Cole, and he'd likely start if Cole is unable to go. The only other injury news to look at this week would be rookie defensive lineman, DeMarvin Leal. Leal returned to practice last week, so he has another two weeks to be activated off the IR in the 21-day activation window.
What were your thoughts from this weekend's loss? Are you concerned about the OL if Hassenauer has to step in and start? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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