Isaiahh Loudermilk Expects to Make Season Debut on Sunday

PITTSBURGH — Steelers defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk expects to make his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Loudermilk missed time in training camp with a rib injury, but returned late in the process. Still, he has yet to be active for a game this season.

Now, with some injuries on the defensive line, Loudermilk is likely to get his chance in Week 6 against the Buccaneers. He was patient enough to stay and take notes while not playing for the first five weeks of the 2022 season. Now, it will be his opportunity to show what he can do.

“Yeah, we are banged up in some places right now, so as of now, I’m preparing to play,” Loudermilk said. “I mean, I’m definitely looking forward to finally getting the hat. As of now, I’m expecting to play. My opportunity is here right now and I just have to be ready to help the team.”

Loudermilk does not expect to do anything different outside of his normal work. That means he will work anywhere from a 5-technique to the nose tackle, and he revealed he played up and down the line during practice on Friday. While he was out. Loudermilk was able to ingest plenty of mentorship from veterans such as Cam Heyward.

“It’s tough watching,” Loudermilk said. “It’s hard when you can’t go out there and play. The fun of the game is the game when it comes that time to go out there and play. For me, I just learned I have to take any opportunity that I get. But it’s given me time to dive into things I can do better and see what other guys do to add to my game. I’ve been able to add new things here and there.”

Loudermilk now gets to test out some of the new techniques, including his bull rush, against an opponent in-game action for the first time since the preseason. After getting complacent by facing the same guys each day, Loudermilk is excited to see what he can do against the Buccaneers.

“You know, it’s just different when you can face different guys,” Loudermilk said. “I’ve been going up against the same guys for a few weeks now, so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do out there. This is an opportunity I’ve been waiting for a while.”

The final injury report will reveal who Loudermilk may end up filling in for along the defensive line, but Larry Ogunjobi has dealt with a back injury throughout the week.