The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most banged-up teams in the NFL early in the season, and it's not about to get better anytime soon.
After taking the field against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, Pittsburgh saw a pair of players added to their injury list. On October 8, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media where he confirmed at least four players have already been ruled out for the Steelers' Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Additionally, Tomlin gave a 'doubtful' designation to three others.
OUT vs. Raiders
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 8, 2024
Nick Herbig
De'Marvin Leal
Alex Highsmith
Cordarrelle Patterson
DOUBTFUL
Jaylen Warren
Damontae Kazee
MyCole Pruitt
Russell Wilson was indeed a full practice participant for the first time since aggravating his calf injury on Sept. 5.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 9, 2024
Lot of vets got rest days today, but somewhat encouraging sign is that RB Jaylen Warren (knee) was limited. Tomlin said he was doubtful, so how Warren responds… pic.twitter.com/fBSlGkjg5J
The Steelers were already without Alex Highsmith after he sustained a groin injury in Week 3 against the Chargers. Unfortunately, Nick Herbig, who exited the Cowboys game with a hamstring injury, won't be ready to play on Sunday either.
To make matters worse, Tomlin has also ruled Demarvin Leal (Pittsburgh's fourth edge rusher) out against the Raiders. Leal left Pittsburgh's Week 6 contest with a neck injury. This leaves T.J. Watt as the lone edge rusher standing from the group of four the Steelers started the 2024 season with.
Steelers have a colossal issue with EDGE depth
In addition to these injuries, Tomlin noted that Cordarrelle Patterson will miss the Week 6 contest with an ankle injury, while Jaylen Warren, Damontae Kazee, and MyCole Pruitt are all doubtful this week.
However, the big story here is the concerning lack of depth on the edge for the Steelers. While fans can be thankful that T.J. Watt is healthy and playing some of his best football, his counterparts may not be able to help him out much.
With Herbig, Highsmith, and Leal all out this week, Pittsburgh will turn to Jeremiah Moon to start alongside Watt. Moon played his first game with the Steelers on Sunday Night Football against Dallas and recorded one tackle on 28 defensive snaps.
Outside of Moon, Tomlin mentioned that Isaiahh Loudermilk -- a run-stuffing defensive lineman by trade -- will play on the edge this week. The Steelers will be forced to elevate at least one of Adetokunbo Ogundeji or Eku Leota from their practice squad this week.
The Pittsburgh Steelers already have ten players on injured reserve, and their depth across the board is running thin. We'll see if deploying a group of scrubs opposite T.J. Watt will be enough to generate pressure on the Raiders this week.