After posting their first win of the preseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers returned home to Latrobe, Pennsylvania to continue their annual training camp. In their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there was a lot for fans to like in nearly every facet of the roster. However, that victory came at a price. The injury bug continued to rear its ugly head within the Steelers depth chart and that followed the team into their first practice back after returning from Tampa, Florida.
Douglas DeFelice/Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense takes the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, FL.
On defense, the team had already lost promising rookie Cory Trice Jr. for the season with a leg injury. In the team’s action against the Buccaneers, rookie Keeanu Benton was forced to exit the game early with an ankle injury. Leading up to the injury, Benton looked to be as advertised lined up in the interior of the defensive front and disrupting plays. After Sunday’s practice session, Head Coach, Mike Tomlin provided a current status for Benton.
“Keeanu Benton went down in the game with an ankle. That can be described as day-to-day; we’ll see how that leads us.”
Benton would be just one of several members of the Steelers defensive line who would miss practice on Sunday. Larry Ogunjobi injured his right foot in the team’s preparation last week and it has seemingly not improved. He was absent from Sunday’s open practice session and was spotted afterwards in a walking boot. While we don’t know the severity of his injury, it is clear the Steelers are approaching this with caution as we inch closet to the next preseason game.
Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Keeanu Benton (#95) in his first NFL game in Tampa, FL.
In addition to Benton and Ogunjobi, defensive captain, Cameron Heyward also missed time on Sunday. However after practice, Tomlin assured that this was due to an illness, not injury. Tomlin shed some light on Heyward’s status after Sunday’s practice.
“Cam Heyward’s not here today. He’s sick, and so we thought, allow him to get better and protect some of the other guys in the process.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers had a lot to evaluate in their first game. There are several key position battles peppered throughout the offensive front, specifically in the development of the depth chart along the interior of the offensive line. Leveraging Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl’s insight, the team signed free agent Nate Herbig in the offseason to help compete for an offensive guard spot. Herbig saw decent action in the game, but was unable to finish practice on Sunday. He suffered a shoulder injury and had to visit the medical staff. Tomlin shared his status of Herbig.
“Nate Herbig went down with a shoulder in practice. He’s going to be evaluated.”
As the calendar creeps closer to the August 29th cut deadline, a significant injury to a player could be catastrophic. The Steelers have already seen this with Trice Jr. and Alfonzo Graham earlier in camp. Another player on the roster bubble in cornerback Duke Dawson found himself closer to that category after suffering what looked to be a relatively serious leg injury during the exhibition game. But as fans were able to see on Sunday, although he didn’t participate in the session, he was walking without a boot or crutches, which suggest the injury is may not as severe as how it appeared in the game.
As the Steelers set their sights on their second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, these injuries will open up opportunities for other players on the cusp of the depth chart to prove their case. With Herbig most likely missing the upcoming game, we will most likely see a variety of names assume that right guard position. Rookie Spencer Anderson has lined up in all five positions along the offensive line in his football life and may see some experimental time at guard against the Bills.
Tomlin praises any versatility in young players, and Anderson has the opportunity to display exactly that. Another possible replacement could be Kendrick Green who is fighting for his employment status in September. Green botched his opportunity at center in the first game, so the staff may want to see him play at right guard to help reignite any chance he has at making the team.
Douglas DeFelice/Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Spencer Anderson (#74) plays in his first NFL game in Tampa, FL.
Along the defensive line, the Steelers know how valuable depth is and with Ogunjobi, Benton, and most likely Heyward all slated to sit out in the upcoming game, that will open the doors for a continual effort towards a new-look lineup. That lineup features Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, and Breiden Fehoko. Behind them we see Manny Jones, Armon Watts, and Jonathan Marshall. There is only a finite number of open roster spots for the defensive line, and this could be a pivotal opportunity for these players on the bubble in determining their fate for the 2023 season.
What injuries caught your eye this weekend? Who do you think will step up with his opportunity? Let us know in the comments below!
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