The Steelers’ first injury report for Week 2 brought a few new concerns, and most of them are on offense.
Pittsburgh listed offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (ankle) and tight end Darnell Washington (NIR/personal) as non-participants, while wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) was limited. With two practices still left before the trip to Gillette Stadium, it’s still too early to know where Fautanu or Pittman Jr. will land for the road game against the New England Patriots.
Fautanu was one of the bright spots in the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons. In his first NFL start at left tackle, he didn’t allow a sack or a pressure while playing 66 of Pittsburgh’s 67 offensive snaps. He did briefly leave the field for a play in the fourth quarter while trainers checked on him, but he only missed one rep.
If Fautanu can’t go, Dylan Cook would likely move over to left tackle and Max Iheanachor would be the projected starter at right tackle. Pittsburgh would then need to either elevate a tackle from the practice squad or clear room for one on the 53-man roster to make sure the position has enough depth.
Pittman Jr. also made a strong first impression in black and gold. In his debut, he led the team with 58 receiving yards on three catches.
Elsewhere, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was back on the report after practicing in a limited capacity. He had been the only player listed on Pittsburgh’s injury report all last week before being inactive for the opener against Atlanta. This time, though, he was no longer listed with a back injury and instead appeared as NIR/conditioning.
Porter Jr.’s contract situation and lack of an extension will keep drawing attention, but the expectation is that he’ll play for the Steelers. A trade could still come up later, but there doesn’t seem to be much momentum there right now.
Pittsburgh’s defense managed Week 1 without Porter Jr. against a Cooper Rush-led offense, but the challenge gets steeper this week with Drake Maye and company before the Steelers turn around and face Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3.
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Rhamondre Hendersons return from an ankle injury could end up being the bigger subplot for New England as the week goes on, especially with the Steelers coming to town. On defense, a handful of players have missed recent practices, but the Patriots appear deep enough to navigate those spots if needed, leaving the offense and backfield health as the more pressing question. [Read more 🡒]