Steelers cornerback, Steven Nelson, has been ruled out this Sunday against the Chargers. Can Artie Burns redeem his career this week with a good showing?
The Steelers are in a predicament. Injuries have plagued them this season, and they are down to their 4th string quarterback from August. Devlin Hodges looks to steal a win on the road against the Chargers, but Pittsburgh will be without starting cornerback, Steven Nelson.
According to Pittsburgh Steelers Director of Communications, Burt Lauten, Nelson didn’t make the trip to Los Angeles with the team. Here’s what he had to say:
#Steelers CB Steven Nelson is not making the trip to Los Angeles and has been downgraded to OUT for Sunday night’s game vs. the Chargers.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) October 12, 2019
Nelson was questionable at best all week with a groin injury. Now his status is confirmed. With Nelson ruled out, Artie Burns stands to be the beneficiary of his absence. According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Burns is likely to get the start:
Steelers CB Steven Nelson (groin) did not make the trip to LA, per team. With Nelson out, Artie Burns will likely get the start.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 12, 2019
Artie Burns hasn’t started a full season since 2017 – his second year in the league. After a promising rookie campaign, things have gone downhill for the young cornerback – so much so that Pittsburgh elected to pay Steven Nelson this offseason and draft Justin Layne in the third round to replace Burns.
Even last season, Burns was benched early on in favor of journeyman cornerback, Coty Sensabaugh. After struggling with penalties and poor technique, Artie Burns saw just 6 starts in his 3rd NFL season.
It looks like Burns will be given the opportunity to prove himself today against the Chargers. Much like Chris Boswell, Burns became very hard to trust after consistent struggles on the football field last season.
The former 1st round draft choice of 2016 will be tasked with locking down his side of the field against an offense that is 9th in the league in scoring and 18th in offensive yards.
The Steelers are in desperate need of a win, and another loss today would be the dagger in their season. Pittsburgh may rely on Burns in a big way today. Let’s hope he doesn’t disappoint.