Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin just wrapped up his Tuesday press conference, and the latest injuries were brought to center stage. During the Steelers' Week 1 win over the New York Jets, safety DeShon Elliott left the game with a scary knee injury, while linebacker Malik Harrison sustained a knee ailment of his own.
While we can breathe a sigh of relief that these players avoided significant injuries, things are already looking grim for their availability in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks.
During his presser, Tomlin ruled Elliott and Harrison out ahead of Sunday's game. He also said that, while rookie Derrick Harmon is making progress from the MCL sprain he suffered in the preseason finale, he will not be playing this week either.
That's three injuries to the defense, including two starters, who won't be available against the Seahawks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be short-handed for Week 2 home opener against the Seattle Seahawks
Every notable injury so far has been on the defensive side of the football. In addition to Harmon, Elliott, and Harrison being ruled out this week, starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is questionable with a hamstring injury. The Steelers were already forced to put Cory Trice Jr. on IR-illegible to return, with a hamstring ailment he suffered during training camp.
Meanwhile, edge rusher Nick Herbig is still dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained in Pittsburgh's second preseason game, but there's optimism that both Herbig and Porter could suit up this week.
Even if these two young defenders are ready to play, the Steelers will still be shorthanded on defense for their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. This isn't good, considering this unit is coming off a Week 1 game in which they allowed 32 points to quarterback Justin Fields and the New York Jets.
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In Elliott's absence, the Steelers are expected to turn to veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, whom Mike Tomlin confirmed the team is signing. Peppers could be thrust into action right away to help fill the void at strong safety, while defensive coordinator Teryl Austin could do some mixing and matching in the secondary.
With Harrison out, the Steelers may turn to veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb in the event of an injury to Patrick Queen or Payton Wilson, or simply to give these players a much-needed break.
The Seahawks are coming off a tough 17-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, and head coach Mike Macdonald will be searching for a bounce-back win to avoid a 0-2 start to the season. The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to make do with what they have on defense. Let's hope their injured players can return to the field soon.