Steelers Injury Updates: Marcus Allen, Josh Dobbs Leave Game vs. Panthers Early

Mitchell Northam |

Updated: Aug 28, 2021

Steelers QB Josh Dobbs — PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 30: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) looks downfield during the preseason NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers on August 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)

CHARLOTTE – Inside linebacker Marcus Allen and reserve quarterback Josh Dobbs both left the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason finale vs. the Carolina Panthers – a 34-9 loss – with apparent injuries.

Allen, a 25-year-old defender, was sitting on the bench in the second quarter with his upper right leg wrapped up and did not return. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that Allen had a “hamstring” injury.

“I do not know the extent of it,” Tomlin added. “There were a number of guys who were injured in some way.”

Allen had recorded two tackles before exiting the game. A Penn State product, Allen started in two of the 14 games he played in last season and racked up 30 tackles.

Dobbs relieved Dwayne Haskins of his quarterback duties in the third quarter and led the Steelers on their first scoring drive of the game. But Dobbs lasted just three drives and was seen walking a bit gingerly on the sideline in the fourth quarter. Tomlin said Dobbs “had a turf toe, maybe.” The head coach added he didn’t know the extent of Dobbs’ injury, but he was being evaluated. Dobbs had one rush for 12 yards and completed 6-of-11 passes for 35 yards on the evening.

Additionally, Tomlin said, “There were several Steelers that we just left home to give them medical treatment opportunities.”

That group includes running back Anthony McFarland Jr. and offensive tackle Zach Banner, Tomlin said. Also, starting long snapper Kameron Canaday was dealing with a pregame illness and also did not play.

These injuries sting a little bit more considering they came in a lopsided preseason loss to the Carolina Panthers.

“It was a junior varsity performance,” Tomlin said. “We accept that. We understand what that means. But we also understand where we are in this journey, collectively. And so, I’m appreciative of their efforts, not only tonight, but throughout this process. And now we begin the decision making time, and I’m sure we’ll get started with that when we get back.”