We are now a month away from the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers defense has begun to dominate training camp practices in Latrobe, while the offense has shown flashes of improvement. We'll get to see all of that in action on Friday, as the Steelers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their preseason opener.
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Ray-Ray McCloud became quite the returner for the Steelers, and the team missed his presence back there in 2022.
They'll have to be on their "A" game in Week 1 though, as the 49ers possess arguably the most talented roster in the NFL. On Thursday, some injury news revolving the 49ers came out. Ray-Ray McCloud will miss the next eight weeks due to a broken left wrist. According to 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco, the injury will require surgery. That means he will be out for the Week 1 matchup against his former team, the Steelers.
Return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud will be out eight weeks due to a broken left wrist. He’ll undergo surgery., and that leaves the return job to start the season wide open.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 10, 2023
McCloud spent two seasons in Pittsburgh before signing with the 49ers on a two-year, $10+ million deal last offseason. He is set to enter his second year with the NFC West team, and now he will have to miss the first few games. The Steelers missed his return presence in 2022, as Gunner Olszewski failed to fill the hole left by McCloud. Additionally, 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with an adductor strain. His injury however, is much less severe.
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The Steelers passed on Brock Purdy in the 2022 NFL Draft, as they opted to draft Chris Oladokun instead in the late seventh round.
The injury will sideline Kittle for a week, which means he will likely be ready for the Week 1 matchup. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who returned way ahead of schedule from his elbow injury, has been performing well at 49ers training camp. He's listed as the starter, while Sam Darnold and Trey Lance are listed as co-backups ahead of the preseason. That means, barring an injury or something unforeseen, the Steelers defense will face Purdy in Week 1.
Former Steelers Players Find New Homes
Elsewhere in the world of former Steelers players, Benny Snell Jr. has finally found a home. After four years in Pittsburgh, the team let him walk this offseason. While he became a core special teams member, he didn't quite become the running back that he was expected to be. He had visited with the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts earlier this summer, but was unable to reach a deal with either team.
On Thursday though, he signed with the Detroit Lions in the NFC North. The Lions are the favorites in the wide open division, as they have a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Justin Jackson suddenly retired, which left an opening in the Lions running back room. Now, Snell will have a month to try and make the team's 53-man roster.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers former running back and special teams ace Benny Snell Jr. warms up prior to a 2021 regular season matchup.
Myles Jack, whom the Steelers cut this offseason halfway into his two-year deal, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the week. He wasn't expecting to be signed, as he was ready to go be an electrician. Now, he'll have a legit shot at a Super Bowl ring with the NFC East squad.
What do you think the Steelers' chances are against the 49ers in Week 1? Will Snell end up making the Lions' 53-man roster? Do you think the team should have brought him back this offseason? What about Jack? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!
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