Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (34) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans linebacer Zach Brown (55) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
I really hope that this does not turn out to be true:
More bad news for the Steelers: RB LaRod Stephens-Howling suffered a torn ACL today.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 9, 2013
It was bad enough that the Steelers lost their starting center and starting inside linebacker in today’s game with season-ending injuries during their season opening loss to Tennessee. The fact that their “third-down back” could be lost for the 2013 campaign with a knee injury in the same game is just an unnecessary kick to the groin for the team, their fans, and LaRod Stephens-Howling himself.
The loss of Stephens-Howling would be an enormous blow to Pittsburgh’s already thin and injury-prone backfield. With Le’Veon Bell already shelved, the Steelers might have to turn to the butter-fingered Isaac Redman, the still-recently acquired Felix Jones, or a free agent like the recently released Jonathan Dwyer for the rest of the 2013 campaign.
Pittsburgh’s stagnant offense cannot stand to lose anybody who can competently carry the ball, and the loss of Stephens-Howling on special teams will inevitably hurt this team to boot. As it stands, I am sure that Dwyer is on his way to Pittsburgh if this news turns out to be true.
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