The Pittsburgh Steelers have been through some adversity during the 2024 season when it comes to injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They were without Alex Highsmith for some time, and Nick Herbig is still trying to fight his way back from an injury he suffered earlier in the year. Pittsburgh also has some players that have been playing through injury, which includes cornerback Donte Jackson, who has been battling through a shoulder issue. Another player who is banged up is second-year defensive lineman, Keeanu Benton.
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Steelers' Keeanu Benton looks on during a home game in Pittsburgh during his rookie year in 2023.
Benton was an underrated rookie during the 2023 season, and many fans expected him to take big leap in 2024. The second-year defender is having a decent season, but he certainly isn't meeting the expectations that were set for him prior to the start of the regular season. Benton may continue to improve as this year's campaign goes along, but there is certainly something wrong due to his lack of production. Insider Mark Kaboly went on 93.7 The Fan and he shared that the second-year player hasn't been fully healthy in 2024.
"He's been banged up for a while. He's obviously not saying too much, and not on the injury report, but he's not 100 percent right now," Kaboly said. "I think we were just expecting a tremendous jump from him from Year 1 to Year 2. It just hasn't really panned out that way quite yet. But I know he's been banged up. So I'll give him the benefit of the doubt right there. But he hasn't performed as well as we thought he would."
Benton hasn't missed any time, but he hasn't broken out in his second year like many fans had hoped he would. Through eight games, he has recorded 16 total tackles, four passes defensed, and a tackle for loss. His pressures on the inside certainly help Pittsburgh's edge rushers get to the quarterback, but many were expecting more from Benton.
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Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton tried to get a push against Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Aaron Brewer during a Week 9 clash at Acrisure Stadium in 2023.
Kaboly didn't specify what is wrong with Benton, but clearly it isn't severe enough for him to miss time. It is likely a small injury that won't fully heal until the season comes to a close, but the injury probably makes it tough for Benton to go out and make plays. Benton isn't a guy who is going to fill up the stat sheet, but his presence is felt with his ability to clog up running lanes and pressure the passer.
Benton had his best game of the season when the Steelers took on the New York Jets. He was able to bat down multiple balls at the line of scrimmage, which helped get the Jets and Aaron Rodgers off of the football field. Benton can still be productive, but the reason he hasn't been able to blow through everyone's expectations is that he has likely been playing through injury.
Steelers' Second-Year Defenders Set For Big Second Half Of The Season
Herbig won't be back for Pittsburgh's game against the Washington Commanders, but he will certainly be back within the coming weeks. He has taken a leap in his second season, and once he returns to full health, he should be able to be a big contributor for Pittsburgh's defense. The same goes for Cory Trice Jr., who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. He should be back soon to provide valuable depth for the Steelers at the cornerback position.
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Steelers' Cory Trice Jr.
These two guys and Benton will need to have big games in the second half of the season as the Steelers prepare to take on one of the tougher remaining schedules in the NFL.
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