If you're wondering why Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy doesn't hold live tackling sessions during training camp or even like players going to the ground at practice, look no further than Nate Wiggins. In a moment of low-stakes training camp practice, the Ravens nearly suffered a critical blow to their defense.
The budding star cornerback of the Baltimore Ravens suffered an ugly-looking injury on Tuesday and was quickly carted off the field. New head coach Jesse Minter addressed Wiggens' injury after practice.
“I think there is optimism, but, again, we’ll look at it and see where it’s at," Minter told the media Tuesday.
Luckily for Baltimore, it appears they dodged a bullet. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported late on Tuesday that there was no structural damage in Wiggins' knee. Regardless of the positive news, McCarthy just got another reminder to play it safe.
Mike McCarthy has every reason to play it cautious with his most valuable Pittsburgh Steelers players after Nate Wiggins' injury
Wiggins' injury may not be as serious as originally thought, but several other key players around the NFL have suffered catastrophic injuries in practice. Atlanta Falcons ' 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker sustained a torn ACL in practice last week and will miss the entire 2026 season.
Meanwhile, 49ers' 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall will have his season shut down before it begins to repair a PCL, Panthers starting defensive lineman Nic Scourton suffered a season-ending ACL tear, Bears cornerback Coby Bryant will miss 4-6 months after undergoing knee surgery, Saints starter Brian Breese is out with an ACL tear, and Panthers rookie Chris Brazell will be sidelined for the year with an LCL tear.
Thankfully, the Steelers have averted disaster so far when it comes to injuries (knock on wood), but they already had a scare of their own.
Last week, first-round pick Max Iheanachor left practice with a neck/shoulder injury. Fortunately, it proved to be minor. Iheanachor will miss the team's first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, but he could be on track to return next week.
Sadly, these major injuries around the NFL go to show just how fragile a team's season can be. It's not that a good NFL squad can't overcome a loss or two, but to lose starters and even star players before meaningful game action begins is a significant blow.
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't exactly riddled with star power these days, and they will need every quality starter available during the season if they want a chance to avoid a ten-year drought without a playoff win.
Coach McCarthy was already extraordinarily cautious about his players being contacted or overworked in practice. And after the Nate Wiggins injury scare, he has even more incentive to play it safe with his best players before the 2026 regular season.
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