With the Pittsburgh Steelers getting set for their second preseason game this Saturday, updates have been dropping in as Bills head coach Sean McDermott and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin speak to the media.
McDermott confirmed that Josh Allen will suit up and play in this contest -- noting that their starters will probably be on the field for a quarter and a half. Shortly after, Tomlin offered updates on the availability of his players for Saturday night at home against Buffalo. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Steelers news:
In his pre-game press conference, Tomlin indicated that veteran defensive tackle, Larry Ogunjobi, will not suit up against the Bills. Ogunjobi missed Pittsburgh's preseason open and has been spotted in a walking boot. He is dealing with a foot/ankle injury and his status beyond Saturday's game is still unclear at this time.
In addition to Ogunjobi's absence, the Steelers will be without two other players this week, Mike Tomlin confirmed. Offensive guard Nate Herbig and defensive back Tre Norwood will both be out this Saturday. Herbig is dealing with a shoulder injury, and though Norwood has been doing some work in practice, he has also been ruled out.
After signing a big contract this offseason, Ogunjobi's role as a starter is secure. However, Herbig is battling Kevin Dotson to be the first guard off the bench in the event of an injury while Norwood is far from guaranteed a roster spot in 2023.
More Steelers news:
Pittsburgh will be without at least three players against the Bills on Saturday, but Tomlin did confirm that some players who were absent during the preseason opener will be returning this week. The players Tomlin mentioned by name during his press conference were Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Patrick Peterson, and Joey Porter Jr.
The Steelers know what they are getting in their All-Pro Defenders, but this team hasn't yet seen veterans Keanu Neal and Patrick Peterson take the field in exhibition action yet for Pittsburgh. Perhaps more importantly, rookie CB Joey Porter Jr. will enter the preseason for the first time. He will get the ultimate test too, as he could see some snaps against starting Bills receivers and Josh Allen at quarterback.
Steelers specialists returning:
After not seeing Chris Boswell, Pressley Harvin III, or Christian Kuntz in the first preseason game, Mike Tomlin confirmed that his starting specialists from 2022 will all be returning and will play against the Bills. Additionally, Tomlin confirmed that Calvin Austin will earn punt return duties with Anthony McFarland returning kicks this Saturday.