Steelers Eye Kyle Dugger’s Return Ahead of Crucial Matchup vs. Dolphins
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be getting a key piece of their defense back just in time for a pivotal Monday night showdown against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that strong safety Kyle Dugger “has a chance to come back this week” after missing the team’s Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens with a hand injury.
Dugger’s absence came as a surprise. He finished Week 13’s game against the Buffalo Bills without any reported issues but was sidelined for both Thursday and Friday practices last week and didn’t travel with the team to Baltimore. Without him, Pittsburgh turned to a rotation at strong safety, leaning on Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers to fill the void.
Clark logged 57% of the defensive snaps, finishing with two tackles, while Peppers played 42% of the time and added three stops. The duo helped hold the line, but there’s no question the Steelers missed Dugger’s presence on the back end.
Since arriving in a pre-deadline trade from New England, Dugger has brought much-needed stability to the strong safety spot. The position had been in flux following DeShon Elliott’s season-ending knee injury, but Dugger quickly stepped in and made an impact. In five starts with Pittsburgh, he’s racked up 23 tackles, including one for loss, four passes defensed, and a timely interception.
His physicality, instincts, and veteran savvy have given the Steelers a reliable enforcer in the secondary - something they’ll need against a high-octane Miami offense that thrives on speed and explosive plays. If Dugger is able to return to practice Thursday as expected, it would be a strong sign he’s on track to suit up in Week 15.
As the Steelers prepare for a critical stretch of the season, they’re dealing with a handful of other injury concerns. Tight end Darnell Washington, linebacker Malik Harrison, defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and offensive lineman Andrus Peat are all in concussion protocol and listed as questionable. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Calvin Anderson has already been ruled out with a knee injury.
Several key contributors - including wide receiver DK Metcalf (abdomen), linebacker Patrick Queen (glute), and cornerback James Pierre (calf) - are nursing minor issues but are expected to be available.
The Steelers’ injured reserve list remains lengthy, headlined by Elliott, left tackle Broderick Jones (neck), and defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (ankle), among others. The team has been forced to rely on depth and midseason additions to stay afloat in a competitive AFC playoff race.
But getting Dugger back could be a major boost - not just for the defense, but for the overall momentum heading into the final stretch. His return would bring leadership, physicality, and a playmaking edge that’s hard to replicate.
With the Dolphins coming to town and the playoff picture tightening, every snap matters. And if Dugger is back in uniform Monday night, the Steelers’ defense gets a little tougher, a little smarter, and a lot more confident.