The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The Steelers will have all of the projected offensive and defensive starting personnel available to play in the final dress rehearsal for the 2022 NFL season. Cam Heyward is among the notable actives and is expected to see his first game action for the black and gold. The Steelers will be missing some players against the Lions that are likely to survive the final roster cut. The Pittsburgh players who will miss the final preseason game, follow.
Montravius Adams:
Pittsburgh Steelers Montravius Adams, center, attends NFL football practice Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (Andrew Rush/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)
Pittsburgh signed Adams off the New Orleans Saints practice squad last season and he ended up starting down the stretch for the black and gold. The Steelers’ run defense was bad in 2021, but Adams was a pleasant surprise throughout the season. His presence did not solve the issues, but he certainly improved the perception of the defensive line during the final quarter of the season.
Adams, at just 27, should provide quality depth again for the 2022 Steelers and is battling an ankle injury that has kept him out since the beginning of August. Based on his performance and a two year contract, he is likely to be one of the Steelers reserve defensive linemen. The training staff appears to be holding him out at this point against the Lions through an abundance of caution. Adams is hoping to be ready for the regular season opener.
Isiaah Loudermilk
Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (Twitter @JSKO Photo)
Loudermilk appeared against the Seattle Seahawks and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The fifth-round draft pick from Wisconsin has been a solid reserve force for the defense and like Adams should provide quality rest for the starting defensive line. He injured himself on the last day of training camp and the team is calling it a rib injury. Loudermilk calls it a side injury, but the team is being cautious with the 24-year-old reserve.
“It’s a little strain on my side,” Loudermilk said. “But I’m working back. I’m doing work every day but I’m taking precautions and not doing anything further that will hurt me down the line.”
Loudermilk is on track to return for the season opener in Cincinnati in two weeks.
Calvin Austin III
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III (#19) participates during training camp at the team's South Side facility. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers' fourth-round 2022 draft pick was the early star of training camp. Aside from Kenny Pickett and George Pickens, Austin was the player that the fans were drooling to see live. The former Memphis Tiger was injured prior to the Seahawks preseason game. He hurt his foot and is reportedly still having some trouble pushing off. His debut is uncertain, but he is hoping to return soon.
“You know, that’s something you’ll have to talk to Coach T about,” Austin said. “I’ve just attacked the treatment plan and doing everything I can.”
Austin demonstrated other assets during training camp, but he was a fourth-round draft pick because he was one of the fastest players in college football last season. The Steelers are blessed with solid depth at the wide receiver position so they can afford to make sure the rookie is ready to go before putting him back on the field. His return status is unknown, unlike Loudermilk and Adams.
The fans should get a solid picture of the 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in front of a national audience. A few position battles remain to be settled, but the starting defense should be intact for the first time this season. The offensive line will have an opportunity to redeem itself after being roasted for the past week, and it might be the final Kenny Pickett appearance for the foreseeable future.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Who are you most excited to see on Sunday? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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