The Pittsburgh Steelers won their first in-division matchup of the 2025 season on Sunday as they took down the Cleveland Browns by a score of 23-9. Pittsburgh was in control for most of the game as the team never relinquished the lead after scoring a field goal on its first possession of the contest. This was a very important game for Pittsburgh as it was able to grow the lead it has in the AFC North. The Steelers got the job done, but the team did suffer some bumps and bruises throughout the game.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
In the first half of the matchup with Cleveland, the Steelers were kicking off, and special teams ace Miles Killebrew went down with an apparent knee injury. It was a non-contact injury, which usually is not a good sign in the NFL as it typically leads to some structural damage to the knee.
It cannot be overstated how important Killebrew is to Pittsburgh, and that is due to his presence on special teams and his leadership in the locker room. He is one of the team's captains, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin provided an update on Killebrew following the game.
"We've got some bumps and bruises associated with play." Tomlin said. "The only one that's worth mentioning of any significance is Miles Killebrew. He's got a significant knee injury, and I'll have some more updates for you I'm sure in the not so distant future about the details of that."
This is not good news for Pittsburgh or its team captain. Tomlin didn't give any specifics on the knee injury, but based on the manner in which the injury occurred it is likely that Killebrew should be expected to miss a good chunk of time, maybe even the rest of the regular season. A torn ligament is the big fear, especially since the injury was non-contact.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Miles Killebrew during a matchup with the Cleveland Browns at home in Week 6 of the 2025 season.
Killebrew is one of the best true special teamers in the NFL. He has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons, and he was an All-Pro during the 2023 season. Throughout his time with the Steelers he has been known to block punts, which is always a game changing play in any matchup. He has also been reliable in covering punts and kickoffs, and his absence will present some problems for the Steelers in the future.
The safety joined the Steelers during the 2021 offseason, and he has been a special player ever since. During the 2024 offseason he signed a two-year contract extension with the organization, and it is unfortunate to see him go down. Since joined Pittsburgh he has tallied 60 total tackles as well as blocking multiple punts. He also gotten into some games at safety when depth has been thin.
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Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Have Capable Contributors To Step In During Killebrew's Potential Absence
Killebrew will be missed on the field, but the Steelers have a ton of consistent contributors on special teams. Wide receiver Ben Skowronek has been an important member of the team in that regard over the last two seasons, as has tight end Connor Heyward who managed to catch a touchdown in the win over the Browns. Rookie Jack Sawyer has also stepped up and played a meaningful role on special teams so far in 2025.
The veteran special teamer will probably be missing from the field for quite some time, but he will still be a valuable presence to have around the team and in the locker room. He has been a captain for Pittsburgh for multiple seasons, and his leadership will still go a long way even while being injured.
What do you think of Killebrew being down for some time? Let us know in the comments below!
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