Steelers' Mike Tomlin Provides New Updates On Several Injuries Including Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers were battered by injuries early in the 2024 season. Several key players, including quarterback Russell Wilson, guard Isaac Seumalo, and tackle Troy Fautanu, were among those who were sidelined. 

Running back Jaylen Warren, cornerback Cory Trice Jr., and edge rusher Alex Highsmith all left the game with injuries during the Steelers' Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. On Monday, the other half of the Steelers' running duo, Najee Harris, was seen with his arm in a sling at the facility. 

Head Coach Mike Tomlin always talks about the concept of "next man up." Wilson's injury allowed Justin Fields to take over under center. Fields is part of why the Steelers are 3-0 and sit atop the AFC North. Nick Herbig came in for Highsmith and had two sacks against the Chargers. 

In his weekly press conference, Tomlin offered updates on the injured players and discussed plans for the Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts. He said that Trice and Highsmith will likely be out for Week 4. 

"Isaac is working his way back in the offensive line and we will see what his participation looks like this week and let the quality and the amount of that participation be our guide in terms of his participation. In the meanwhile, when he's not participating, we will continue to do some of the things we did at left guard last week, in terms of Spencer and Mason both getting work and watching those guys throughout the week to kind of decide how we divvy up the labor based on that performance. Obviously, that discussion is exclusive or aside from Isaac's availability."

Spencer Anderson has been solid in Seumalo's place. Now that Fautanu is out long-term, there are questions about what Anderson will be asked to do once Seumalo returns. Anderson is versatile and recently told the media that he was told to take reps at right tackle in practice.   

That leaves the biggest question mark at quarterback. When will Wilson be ready to return, and what will Tomlin choose to do when he is? Will he go with the hot hand as he did last season with Mason Rudolph or will he bench Fields in favor of the nine-time Pro Bowler? Tomlin indicated that not much has changed yet. 

"Still very much in the same place with Russ [Wilson] as we were last week, at least at the beginning of the week. I just met with he and the athletic trainer and talked about what tomorrow looks like. Tomorrow is a limited participation day from a scheduling perspective. He had a good workout today. We'll see how he feels in the morning, but I'm not expecting him to be a full participant tomorrow. So, as we walk into the building tomorrow, I want Justin [Fields] singularly focused on starting for Russ and doing what's required to be ready to do that."

Tomlin finished by reiterating that "we will see where the week leads us" since it is still several days from the Colts game. If Wilson appears to be closer to 100%, he will consider starting him later in the week. However, this sounds like Fields will get another opportunity to start. 

Steelers' Offensive Depth Being Tested

The Steelers have focused their energy on upgrading their offensive trenches the past couple of offseasons. They drafted new tackles and a new center, Zach Frazier. While Fautanu and Broderick Jones have played some musical chairs across from Dan Moore Jr., they have to be grateful for the depth on the line at this point. 

Anderson has proven invaluable and is backed up by Mason McCormick, who earned people's respect during camp. Both Anderson and McCormiick are prized for their versatility. 

Frazier is proving to be the real deal. The grit and toughness that was on display at West Virginia has translated nicely to the pros, as we've been able to watch him pancake defenders. 

How long do you think Fields will remain in for Wilson? Click to comment below. 

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