The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an injury-riddled 2023 season, losing key players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward to injuries for an extended period of time. The Steelers are trying to get over the injury bug heading into Week 13, as they look to make a playoff push in the extremely competitive AFC North.
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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward returns from IR in time for their Week 9 game against the Tennessee Titans.
Losing their veterans and leaders like Heyward and Fitzpatrick definitely hurt, but with a defense as stout as Pittsburgh's, they are able to hold their own. However, the Steelers have dealt with more injuries than just their veterans, as multiple starters have been banged up for the Steelers, leaving them with multiple holes on their depth chart for many weeks.
Starting tight end Pat Freiermuth injured his hamstring which earned him a trip to the injured reserve list. He was activated ahead of a Week 11 matchup versus the Cleveland Browns and has since been an integral part of Pittsburgh's offense. Cole Holcomb suffered a grizzly season-ending knee injury against the Tennessee Titans in a Week 9 matchup, proving to be a devastating hit to an already thin linebacker core. Veteran Kwon Alexander also suffered a season-ending injury in an Achilles tear the week after, which seems to be a theme among injured players. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on his very first drive as a member of the New York Jets, although he is looking to return late in the season. Another seasoned quarterback, Kirk Cousins suffered the same fate as Rodgers with a torn Achilles, along with superstars like Tre'Davious White, J.K. Dobbins, and Jaelan Phillips (all with torn Achilles).
Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander (#54) is one of many NFL players to end their season early with an Achilles tear.
Star receiver Diontae Johnson suffered an injury in the Steelers' season opener, but was able to return to the team on schedule, and has since become a force in the Steelers' reinvigorated offense. George Pickens dealt with a lingering shin injury leading up to Week 12, but was able to be a full participant in the team's last practice, as well as suit up for the game.
Now heading into Week 13, the Steelers are dealing with few active injuries, with one of the biggest question marks being Fitzpatrick's readiness. James Pierre is questionable for Pittsburgh, while defensive tackle Montravius Adams keeps his "out" tag for the moment.
The biggest concern currently is regarding Pittsburgh's young quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Head Coach Mike Tomlin explained in a presser that Pickett has some "discomfort" in his ankle, and it is an injury they will continue to monitor. This ankle injury doesn't seem like one that will keep Pickett from practicing, but any discomfort a franchise quarterback exhibits will be a top concern for the team. Pickett has also battled an assumed rib injury, as he has grimaced and been sidelined after taking multiple hard hits and sacks in a handful of games, mainly when he was ruled out at halftime after re-aggravating his rib injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pickett has since gotten ahead of his rib issues, but his ankle will continue to be monitored, as his scrambling and rushing ability may be used more under the newly directed Pittsburgh offense.
How Can The Steelers Combat Injuries?
As frustrating as they are, there's no clear way to completely prevent injuries from happening to our favorite players. The NFL uses brand new technology to help every player recover and prevent injuries as fast and effectively as possible, while every player is in extremely good health in order to be successful in the NFL. Losing cornerstone players like Fitzpatrick is detrimental to any franchise, but the Steelers have exceptional depth and rely on that when injuries hit.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have been decimated at inside linebacker including the season-ending knee injury sustained by Cole Holcomb.
Trenton Thompson is playing in his first NFL season with Pittsburgh and already looks like a seasoned veteran. He is helping to fill the void of a defensive back room without Fitzpatrick, and they are holding up perfectly fine. Thompson has exceptional help from Damontae Kazee, who has proved himself to be a solid starter in the NFL. The linebacker core has also held strong without two of its starters, as Alex Highsmith has become an elite pass-rusher. Fitzpatrick is also on the up and up from his hamstring injury, so Steelers fans could expect to see their superstar back on the field soon.
What do you think of the current state of injuries in the NFL? Can the league do anything to protect players more? Leave your thoughts in a comment below!
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