Steelers OLB Ola Adeniyi was impressive in his first preseason game of 2019. Unfortunately, an undisclosed injury puts his future in jeopardy.
I don’t remember the last time Steelers fans have been so excited to watch a former undrafted player in the preseason, but Ola Adeniyi has given us reason for hope.
Last year, Adeniyi came in as a long-shot to land on Pittsburgh’s roster. However, a dominant 2018 preseason showing that included 3.0 sacks and 2 forced fumbles had Ola turning heads.
Adeniyi was solid in his first preseason game of 2019, as he consistently pressured the quarterback. Unfortunately, the 21-year old outside linebacker isn’t going to suit up for Saturday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and his immediate future is now in jeopardy.
Ola missed practice this week, and we now have an indication as to why. Adeniyi shared a post on Twitter today, but deleted it after just a few minutes:
Trying to figure out what is going on with Ola Adeniyi's health. Posted this, then deleted it.#Steelers #SteelersNation pic.twitter.com/CXYRj1W602
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) August 16, 2019
Curiously, Adeniyi also took to Instagram and shared a picture of himself in a hospital bed:
Ola Adeniyi apparently had surgery. Still trying to figure out what happened. #Steelers #SteelersNation pic.twitter.com/kIt22V4OyI
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) August 16, 2019
We are still trying to gather details as to why Adeniyi was in the hospital, but nothing has been released at this time.
Steelers OLB Ola Adeniyi had surgery this morning per his social media account. No information provided by the team yet. Adeniyi had a tremendous 3 weeks at Saint Vincent for training camp.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 16, 2019
Adeniyi was being evaluated for a concussion toward the end of the Steelers first preseason game against the Buccaneers, but this seems to be unrelated:
Fans will be on the edge of their seats to hear what happened to Adeniyi as we search for a timetable for his return.
Ola was an undrafted player the Steelers signed last season, but showed a world of promise in training camp this year. He solidified himself as a roster lock, and was on the verge of pushing Anthony Chickillo for the Steelers 3rd outside linebacker spot.
We don’t want to jump to conclusions here, as this apparent surgery Adeniyi had could be minor. However, it’s not a good sign to see him suffer with an injury again in his second preseason.
The Steelers will really have to do their homework if Adeniyi misses significant time. Tuzar Skipper stands to see the most to gain in Adeniyi’s absence.