The Pittsburgh Steelers received even more disappointing injury news for the defense after key defenders just seem to be dropping like flies through five weeks. Steelers' defensive end DeMarvin Leal exited a Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with an apparent neck injury that would rule him out in Week 6. Though he has more so been on the defensive line throughout his career, Leal worked in as an edge rusher with injuries to Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, as both are also dealing with injuries.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers' DE DeMarvin Leal going after Cleveland Browns' QB Deshaun Watson during Week 2 of 2023.
Pittsburgh wasn't sure how long Leal would be out with his neck injury, but it was reported on Saturday that he's been placed on the NFL's Injured Reserve list. The Steelers are now without their top three outside linebackers behind TJ Watt, which gives some other guys a chance to make a name for themselves.
We have promoted LB Ade Ogundeji to the Active Roster off the Practice Squad, elevated LB Eku Leota and RB Jonathan Ward to the Active/Inactive Roster off the Practice Squad and placed DE DeMarvin Leal on the Reserve/Injured List. @BordasLaw https://t.co/aMNOCGYhuk
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 12, 2024
Pittsburgh insider Gerry Dulac also revealed that the Steelers will likely be without Leal for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Steelers place DE DeMarvin Leal (neck) on IR, expected to be out for the season.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) October 12, 2024
Leal, drafted in the third round in 2022, played in all five games so far for the Steelers and recorded four tackles. In 2023, Leal appeared in 12 games and collected 15 tackles and one sack. Replacing Leal's role in this week's contest against the Las Vegas Raiders will likely be Isaiahh Loudermilk and Jeremiah Moon, but Moon will be the first up.
Steelers.com
Steelers' DE Isaiahh Loudermilk being given a huge role for Week 6 against the Raiders in 2024.
Loudermilk has consistently been available for the Steelers ever since being drafted in 2021. As he's in the midst of his fourth career season, Loudermilk has totaled over 50 tackles and six pass deflections. Loudermilk is solid against the pass and makes plays when called upon. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin always seems appreciative of his efforts when given a more significant role.
Along with Loudermilk and Moon, Pittsburgh added linebackers Ade Ogundeji and Eku Leota to the active squad to assist the defense. Pittsburgh is really going to need some big games from Watt, Moon and Loudermilk this week to make up for all of the absences.
Steelers Get Other Injury News As Jaylen Warren Is Good To Go Against Raiders
Although the defense is getting slammed with injuries, the offense caught a breath of hope as it was reported that running back Jaylen Warren will be able to take the field on Sunday. The run game on offense has been nearly non-existent as of late, and hopefully Warren is able to provide that exciting burst he always does. Warren's snap count will likely be limited though, as Tomlin and the Steelers like to be super cautious with their injured play-makers.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' running back Jaylen Warren put on another show in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Tomlin originally reported that Warren would be doubtful this week, but shortly after, Warren told reporters that he felt great. Warren is one of the toughest players on the team and was already playing through injuries to begin the season. Hopefully Pittsburgh's running back is back to full health and can make a difference in the offense and rushing attack.
What do you think about Leal's injury? Is the defense in trouble with all of these injuries at outside linebacker? Let us know in the comments below!
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