The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially returned to action, recording their first loss of the 2024 preseason to the Houston Texans, 20-12. Like any game, the coaching staff will begin watching film, and address the issues that plagued the teams' chances for success. Though the loss stings, the injury suffered by rookie first-round pick, Troy Fautanu, earned a lot more attention in the grand scheme of the Steelers season.
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Steelers Rookie Troy Fautanu prepares for action prior to the preseason matchup against the Houston Texans.
Fautanu left Friday's contest with a brace on his left knee with what was characterized as a "minor injury." For a player taken as highly as Fautanu was, the thought of him losing the opportunity to prove himself is a scary thought. Fans can now breath a sigh of relief as ESPN Reporter Jeremy Fowler delivered the good news that the injury is not serious, and shouldn't prohibit Fautanu from returning to the field quickly.
#Steelers OL Troy Fautanu suffered a minor MCL sprain in Friday’s preseason opener, per source. Not considered serious for Pittsburgh’s first-rounder.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 10, 2024
An MCL sprain is certainly more manageable than other serious knee ailments such as a torn one. The injury may slow down Fautanu, who is competing with Dan Moore Jr. for the starting tackle spot opposite Broderick Jones, but won't be a season ender. The grade of the sprain will be more indicative of how long he is out, as the timeline can run anywhere from one to eight weeks, but based on the information given, will likely only hold him out for the remainder of the preseason.
Tyler Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones readies himself for the rush during a Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 season.
Steelers Will Look To Moore To Step Up
Injury, though something never wished upon anyone, can be a great way for players to get their chances on the field. Just as Justin Fields has been able to take advantage of the calf injury Russell Wilson suffered in order to distinguish himself during camp, Moore will now receive the same chance thanks to Fautanu's injury.
Moore has been working as the starting tackle during camp and the preseason, but watched last season as Jones snuck up and took Chukwuma Okorafor's position. Moore is trying to avoid the same fate.
Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: JSKO_Photo)
The left side of the Steelers offensive line could see a makeover this offseason, which includes tackle Dan Moore Jr. and guard Kevin Dotson.
After a tough 2023 campaign, Moore entered into the season knowing that the position was his to lose. The Steelers reinforced this mindset by drafting Fautanu with the 20th overall pick in April's draft. Regardless of how long Fautanu is sidelined, the Black and Gold will need Moore to step up and be the veteran leader on the offensive line if the team hopes to succeed not just during the remainder of the preseason, but the all important beginning of the regular season.
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