A major blow landed on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lineup this week, with starting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and outside cornerback Jamel Dean both sidelined for multiple weeks after injuries suffered in their Week 4 loss to the Cleveland Browns. These aren’t just minor dings, either; we’re talking about key defensive players missing significant time in the heart of the regular season.
The Defense Is Getting Thin, Fast
The hits just keep coming for Pittsburgh’s defense. Derrick Harmon is officially out for four weeks with a left foot injury, moving to IR (Week 9). Jamel Dean’s ankle injury, which also happened on October 1 against the Browns, means he’s out for multiple weeks too. On top of that, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey did not practice on Wednesday, October 7. Ramsey has been battling a fractured right wrist since September 27, an injury he remarkably played through, taking every defensive snap in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He even showed up to Monday’s practice with a sling, swapping it for a cast by Tuesday, yet still DNP on Wednesday. Is it a setback, or are they just trying to manage his pain? Either way, Brandin Echols is the likely replacement if Ramsey can’t go, which is a tough spot to be in. And let’s not forget about offensive guard Gennings Dunker, who also did not practice and is out 2-4 weeks with a left knee injury.
Key Offensive Weapons Are Limping Hard
It’s not just the defense taking a beating. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was limited in practice on Wednesday, October 7, nursing a left foot injury, and get this: he was seen on a scooter after the session! This is wild because Pittman played in Week 4 against the Browns and was a full participant in practices leading up to that game. He even started against the Bengals in Week 3 after being listed as questionable. But Pittman did miss Week 2, downgraded to out after being limited earlier that week. If he can’t suit up, Germie Bernard is in line to replace him, just like he did in Week 2. Adding to the offensive woes, running back Rico Dowdle was also limited on Wednesday with a left toe dislocation.
This is a brutal stretch of injury news for a team navigating the early part of the NFL season. With so many critical players either out for weeks or playing through significant pain, you have to wonder how this team plans to stay competitive. It’s going to take some serious grit, and fast, to overcome these mounting challenges.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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