The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with yet another injury on the defensive front, this time to promising rookie Yahya Black. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Black is dealing with an undisclosed injury sustained during the team’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens and will be limited in practice to start the week.
Black logged a career-high 64 snaps in that game-more than even longtime anchor Cam Heyward, who played 63. That’s no small feat for a fifth-round rookie, and it speaks volumes about how quickly Black has become a key contributor in Pittsburgh’s defensive rotation. With veterans like Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton nursing injuries, Black stepped into an increased role and didn’t just hold his own-he made his presence felt.
Drafted out of Iowa, Black came into the league as a bit of a project with intriguing upside. But thanks to a strong preseason and a string of injuries to Isaiahh Loudermilk and Daniel Ekuale-both of whom remain on injured reserve-he’s climbed the depth chart faster than expected.
He’s been the Steelers’ top reserve on the defensive line for much of the season, and his versatility has been a major asset. Whether lining up at nose tackle or sliding out to base defensive end, Black has shown he can adapt and contribute in multiple roles.
What makes Black stand out isn’t just his size-listed at 336 pounds-but how he moves at that size. Tomlin, speaking on SiriusXM Radio, praised Black’s motor and hustle, particularly on plays that require pursuit, like screens.
“I’ve been really impressed by his ability to chase the ball on screens and stuff being 336 pounds,” Tomlin said. “Just his mindset regarding hustling is encouraging for a man that big.
And so, part of it is the grocery shopping, but now it’s time to cook.”
That last line from Tomlin is classic-he’s saying Black has all the tools, but now it’s about putting them to use consistently when it matters most.
General manager Omar Khan may be the one pulling the strings in the front office, but Black’s development is exactly what the Steelers had in mind when they drafted him. His size and strength make him a natural run-stuffer, and that’s a role Pittsburgh desperately needs to solidify-especially after the Ravens gashed them for 299 rushing yards in last season’s Wild Card loss. That game left a mark, and it’s clear the organization has prioritized shoring up the trenches since.
While Black’s current injury status is something to monitor, his emergence this season has been one of the more encouraging storylines for a Steelers defense that’s had to dig deep into its depth chart. If he can stay healthy, he’s shaping up to be more than just a stopgap-he could be a foundational piece for the future.