Everyone including our staff has continued to wonder out loud if the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to seek a replacement for Stephon Tuitt from outside of the current roster. They have plenty of cap space to do that. But at this current moment it doesn't seem like that is going to be their option. Instead rolling with last year's starter Chris Wormley seems like the logical choice.
Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, Chris Wormley (95), Cameron Heyward (97), Stephon Tuitt (91), and T.J. Watt (90) play against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Wormley had an up and down season last year replacing Tuitt. But a lot of those issues stemmed from losing Tyson Alualu for the season also, and having no serviceable replacement for him until late in the season. When the Steelers signed Montravius Adams off of the New Orleans Saints practice squad the Steelers run defense began to find some footing for the first time all season.
During Pittsburgh's week 17 win at home against the Cleveland Browns they held Nick Chubb to 58 yards rushing, but the following week in Baltimore they were diced up by Latavius Murray and the Ravens. They hope that the addition of Alualu back from injury paired with Adams will help solve the issues up the middle.
“I felt like I got into a rhythm mid season. I’m going to keep working at my craft. I can build on last year.”
Wormley finished the 2021 season with career highs in tackles (51), sacks (7), quarterback hits (10), and tackles for a loss (6) while starting a career high 14 games for Pittsburgh. Now with Tuitt officially retired Wormley believes he can fill his role this season.
“I think I’m poised to fill that role. I'm excited for Tyson to come back healthy. I'm ready for the young guys to play meaningful snaps. ”Chris Wormley believes he's in line to take the starting 5T spot opposite of Cam Heyward, but knows it will be a team effort:
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) June 2, 2022
"I think I'm poised to fill that role (Tuitt's). I'm excited for Tyson to come back healthy. I'm ready for the young guys to play meaningful snaps."Wormley also said after practice that he's added some weight to his frame. Between 5-7 pounds according to him. While it doesn't sound like much 5-7 pounds of muscle is hard to obtain when you're already fit like all NFL players are. Wormley credited it with not heading to Taco Bell for those late night cravings.
"Eating a little more consciously. Not going to Taco Bell every night, which personally I wish I could do."Chris Wormley says he gained about 5-7 pounds this offseason to match weight that Cam Heyward and Tyson Alualu play at.
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) June 2, 2022
On how he did it: "Eating a little more consciously. Not going to Taco Bell every night, which personally I wish I could do."#Steelers @937theFanThe Steelers typically keep 6 defensive lineman, and there are currently six guys who should and will make the teams 53 man roster.
Cam Heyward, Wormley, Alualu, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Montravius Adams, and DeMarvin Leal are nearly guaranteed a spot. So unless the team is considering carrying 7 defensive lineman they aren't going to go out and sign a big name free agent.
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