The Pittsburgh Steelers, like all 31 other teams in the NFL, are already dealing with a laundry list of injured players. Thankfully, Pittsburgh has not seen anything too serious, but there have been concerning developments. Quarterback Will Howard is likely going to miss the rest of the preseason, which is unfortunate as fans were excited to see the rookie on the field. Calvin Austin III has missed considerable time, and Alex Highsmith is dealing with another groin injury. Now, more injury news has come out. Darius Slay is dealing with a rolled ankle, and Yahya Black missed practice on Tuesday.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' rookie Yahya Black participates in a drill during a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA ahead of the 2025 season.
Black was picked by Pittsburgh in the fifth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the coaching staff and fans have been growing more and more excited to see him on the field. He is a big presence in the middle of the defensive line, and should be able to play a major role when it comes to stopping the run. He was not seen practicing on Tuesday however, as his elbow was seen in a large wrap. It is unclear what the issue might be at this time.
Rookie DT Yahya Black is wearing a large wrap on his right elbow. Other Steelers attendance:
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 12, 2025
Back: CB Darius Slay (rolled ankle last practice), DB Jalen Ramsey, TE JJ Galbreath
Still out: WR Calvin Austin III, C Ryan McCollum, OLB Alex Highsmith, QB Will Howard + Cam Heyward pic.twitter.com/kpwY3NuY3x
Pittsburgh's coaches love Black, and he only played 11 snaps in the team's preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. That is odd as a fifth-round selection, but it shows how highly he is thought of. The organization already feels as though it landed one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft, and based on what has been reported out of practices, that does seem to be the case. The Steelers might already be trying to preserve him.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Derrick Harmon (99) and Yahya Black (78) during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Black went to college at Iowa, and he was known for his assistance in plugging up running lanes, while also being able to get a push when defending the pass. He should be a significant rotational piece for the defense during the 2025 season, and he has impressed many with his ability to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.
Steelers rookie DT Yahya Black is a latter day Dikembe Mutombo. Every day he has at least one “block” (batted-down pass)
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 7, 2025
Hopefully Black's absence isn't regarding something serious. He did practice on Monday while wearing a brace on his elbow, but newer developments are in the works. It is more than likely that this was a precautionary move so that the injury he is battling does not get any worse. The team will likely update the media and fans about the injury at some point in the near future, and everyone should know more then.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon runs through drills as the team practices during 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Relying Heavily On Defensive Line Rookies
Pittsburgh made it a point to inject some youth into the defensive line while upgrading the unit as a whole. The organization did this by drafting Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and then going back to get Black in the fifth. The franchise also added to its arsenal of outside linebackers by drafting Jack Sawyer in the fourth round. Harmon is expected to be a starter immediately, while Sawyer and Black are going to be counted on to be rotational pieces that can make some plays. Sawyer will also be relied upon on special teams.
Hopefully Black will be out on the field again soon as Pittsburgh's rookie class has already been dealing with a handful of injuries.
What do you think about Black's injury? Are you worried? Let us know in the comments below!
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