By Jessica Costello
SteelerNation.com
Injury after injury plagued the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, and while all eyes have been on Ben Roethlisberger's recovery, another key player has been in recovery.
Stephon Tuitt had his own season-ending injury. The defensive lineman suffered a pectoral injury against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The injury threw him on the injured reserve yet again and his presence was sorely missed. His recovery seems to be right on schedule, which is great news considering the defense may really need him after free agency.
If Javon Hargrave leaves the team, the defense won't be able to afford any 'season-ending injuries' for the 2020 season.
Team reporter, Missi Mathews chatted with Steelers GM, Kevin Colbert at the NFL Scouting Combine about Tuitt's recovery process.
Watch here:
.@missi_matthews caught up with GM Kevin Colbert at the #NFLCombine to discuss the progress of Ben Roethlisberger & Stephon Tuitt, Bud Dupree's free agency status, pushing the Combine to primetime, and more. pic.twitter.com/oUUp80d5lc
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 26, 2020
“Yeah, Tuitt was totally on schedule during the season."
"Again, he should be full-go as we enter into the off-season phase of football. But again, we will be careful with that, you know, get him throw the coaching sessions, the OTAs, the minicamps and then into camp because he is coming off an injury. But there shouldn’t be any setbacks.”
There's a real possibility of Hargrave leaving Pittsburgh, but if and when Tuitt steps up, the defense should have no problem performing as they have been.
Plus, Tuitt will be alongside another key defensive player, Cameron Heyward.
The Steelers defensive front has the potential to be dangerous. But all possibilities are up in the air until free agency is over.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Can Tuitt alleviate the potential loss of Hargrave? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
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