Just as they were preparing for the draft and making headway in free agency, the Steelers suffered an unexpected tragedy early Saturday morning.
News broke early Saturday morning that a vehicle struck and killed Steelers backup quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Details of the incident, are sure to filter out in the next few hours and days, but like Steelers fans everywhere, you can not avoid having that stunned feeling, not wanting to believe it’s true or that you’re in some bad dream.
Before Saturday, most fans’ concerns were what the Steelers would do in the draft. They are shocked and wonder how the Steelers put this tragedy behind themselves and move forward with the 2022 season. Mike Tomlin had this to say.
"I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins.He quickly became part of the Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kablabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time."
The Steelers and their fans will feel the loss of Haskins and his senseless death for months to come, always wondering what might have happened when training camp began as he would have competed for the starting quarterback position. Plus, the Steelers are now short a talented backup.
There is little doubt that this tragedy will profoundly affect the Steelers 2022 season. However, it’s more a question of how.