Steelers Lose Defensive Starters to Injury in Seahawks Loss
The Steelers lost multiple defensive starters in their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Seahawks defeated the Steelers 31-17. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke about the injuries. He said, “We had some injuries. Isaiahh Loudermilk had a high ankle. Alex Highsmith had a high ankle. Patrick Queen had a rib injury. Payton Wilson, it was just heat-related fatigue. He missed a block of time. A couple of other guys went in and out and were capable of returning. James Pierre is one of them.” Queen, Wilson, and Pierre were able to return to the game. Linebacker Highsmith and defensive tackle Loudermilk both suffered high ankle sprains. They’re expected to be out for multiple weeks. They may not return until after the Steelers’ bye week. Steelers starting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, safety DeShon Elliott, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. were already ruled out before the game due to injuries. Harmon and Elliott both have knee injuries. Porter Jr. has a hamstring injury.
Highsmith had rolled his ankle during practice on Friday. He aggravated his injury during the game. Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer stepped up in Highsmith’s absence. Highsmith missed multiple games last season because of a sprained ankle. Highsmith also missed time last year and this offseason due to a groin injury. Loudermilk injured his ankle during the game. Rookie Yahya Black stepped up in Loudermilk’s absence. Daniel Ekuale and Logan Lee also saw playing time. Both Highsmith and Loudermilk were injured during the first half of the game and were unable to return. Highsmith and Loudermilk were each in a walking boot after the game.
The Steelers play the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 21st. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. EST. The Steelers play the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on September 28th. Kickoff is at 9:30 a.m. ET. The Steelers have a bye week during Week Five. Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward stated his thoughts about the team’s early bye week this season. He said, “It’s funny because we scratch our heads about the early bye week and we’re like ‘Damn, we might need the bye week pretty soon.’”
