Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gives Promising Update About Donte Jackson Among Other Week 8 Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers came out with a huge team win during prime time Sunday night against the New York Jets. The defense shut down the Jets' offense during the second half and Russell Wilson started his first game in a Steelers uniform with a 37-15 victory. Special teams also played a huge part in the game with a blocked field goal and pinning the Jets deep in their territory on kickoffs and punts. Defense did take a hit though as Donte Jackson exited the game with a shoulder injury he's been dealing with since Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jackson leads the Steelers with three interceptions on the season.

During Head Coach Mike Tomlin's weekly press conference on Tuesday, he gave key updates about Jackson as some were worried he'd be out for longer after the Steelers signed cornerback CJ Henderson on Monday. Tomlin said Jackson should be ready to go Monday night.

"That could be described as minor. It may affect him [Jackson] at the front part of this week and limit his participation, but in no means do I expect it to limit his game availability," Tomlin said.

Another update Tomlin provided was on Cordarrelle Patterson, who has been out since Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. Patterson is a dynamic player, coming into the game for kick returns, running back, and wide receiver. Patterson had some strong runs against the Colts, showcasing the possibility that the Steelers could have three threats in their running back room, but he ultimately went down with an ankle injury. Tomlin said he is positioned to return this week.

While the Steelers got Alex Highsmith back against the Jets, Tomlin provided no news on Nick Herbig's return. Herbig has been out since Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys. He has been great behind Highsmith this season with six solo tackles and two and a half sacks. When both Herbig and Highsmith are healthy, the edge rushing is dangerous for the Steelers' opponents. 

On the other side of the ball, Zach Frazier is still dealing with an ankle injury. Frazier came in to start at center after Nate Herbig went down and was ruled out for the season. The rookie was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and has shown he's an asset on the offensive line. It was hard to see him go down, but Ryan McCollum has been doing well in his absence. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Provides More Injury Updates

Tomlin seemed optimistic about some players coming back for the Week 8 Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Giants. Among Patterson who would begin the week as a limited participant, inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich is looking to come off injured reserve. Damontae Kazee is also set to potentially return this week, adding depth to the safety room again. Kazee has shown he's a good option behind Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

There is bad news for Montravius Adams as he's been ruled out. He went down Sunday night with a knee injury. There also wasn't much on rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson, who started the season off with an injury, but was a healthy scratch for a few games before injuring his hamstring in practice. A Steelers reporter asked about an update from Wilson and Tomlin was honest about it.

Players who are ruled out for the Giants game will hopefully come back Week 10 against the Washington Commanders as the Steelers have a much needed bye Week 9.

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