4 Steelers with notable snap counts in loss vs Raiders
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
Even with Stephon Tuitt on injured reserve to begin the season, rookie defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk was a healthy scratch in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. However, it’s a good thing that he earned a hat in Week 2 against the Raiders.
Tyson Alualu left the game early with an ankle fracture that will likely end his 2021 season while Carlos Davis was out nursing an injury. Next to Cameron Heyward, it was veteran Chris Wormley who got the bulk of the work (which was to be expected), but Isaiahh Loudermilk was quickly thrust into action.
Despite being a day-three draft choice, Loudermilk played 18 defensive snaps after Alualu went down. This is significant for the fifth-round pick in his first NFL game, and I think Loudermilk has a chance to be heavily involved moving forward.
It’s hard to put a timetable on Stephon Tuitt’s return, and if he is able to come back, will his snap count be limited? Until then, Loudermilk could operate in a heavy rotation with Wormley as Isaiah Buggs and Carlos Davis also get involved.
It will be interesting to monitor Loudermilk’s snap count moving forward. This is a huge opportunity for him. Let’s hope he’s able to take advantage of it.