Troy Fautanu didn’t hit the practice field on Wednesday, sidelined by an ankle injury, and man, that’s a tough look for the Steelers as they gear up for Week 2. You think you’re just getting started with a fresh NFL season, and boom, your starting left tackle is already missing valuable practice reps.
Fautanu’s Ankle Could Set the Tone
Dude was already sidelined briefly in their season opener against the Falcons, right? He got back in the game, which, okay, could be a decent sign for his availability this Sunday. We all know how critical a starting left tackle is, protecting the blind side and setting the tone for the entire offense. But missing a full practice, especially after an in-game injury, that’s just not what you want to see heading into another battle so early in the year. It makes you wonder how stable that line is going to be from the jump this year, and what it means for their overall form in these crucial opening weeks.
Early Injuries Piling Up
And Fautanu isn’t even the only story here. The Steelers’ injury report is getting crowded fast, which is never a good sign just one game into the season. Darnell Washington, the tight end, also missed practice, and for “personal reasons,” no less. We don’t know what’s up there, but it’s another starter out. Then you got Michael Pittman Jr., the wide receiver, who was limited on Wednesday because of a foot injury. These are key guys, and having them dinged up or out this early can totally mess with the rhythm of an offense. Seriously, it’s just Week 2, and the hits are already piling up for them.
Joey Porter Jr.’s Contract Drama Just Got Messy
But let’s talk about Joey Porter Jr., because his situation is wild. The star corner was listed as limited, but get this: it’s not even injury-related. The official report says “non-injury related/conditioning designation.” Apparently, he worked more today, according to Mike McCarthy, but still, being limited and having that kind of tag? The scuttlebutt is that his “non-injury related” label could point straight to a contract hold-up. The dude wanted an extension before the season kicked off! Talk about early season drama. That’s the kind of thing that can be a massive distraction, not just for him, but for the whole locker room. You’ve got guys trying to focus on football, and you’ve got a contract saga playing out on the side. What kind of message does that send, you know?
So, the Steelers are heading into Sunday’s game with some real question marks hanging over them. Is Fautanu going to suit up and be 100%? What’s going on with Washington? Can Pittman shake off that foot issue? And will the Porter Jr. contract situation become a bigger headache? This is just the start of the season, but these early trends and health concerns? They can absolutely define how a team performs in these crucial opening weeks. It’s gonna be wild to see how they navigate all this. Buckle up, because Week 2 for the Steelers just got a whole lot more interesting!
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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