Steelers Lose Rookie Running Back for Season

UNITY TWP., Pa — Steelers rookie running back Alfonzo Graham is dealing with a right shoulder injury and it will cost him the rest of the 2023 season. He missed practice on Sunday, sporting a sling on his right shoulder, and seemingly did not look like he was going to suit up. Well, on Monday, Graham tweeted that he suffered a torn labrum and would miss the 2023 season.

When you come out of a storm you won’t be the same person you walked in …Suffered a Torn labrum in my shoulder I promise the Comeback will be Amazing The talent I have is amazing God just wasn’t ready for the world see yet See y’all in 2024💔 stay prayed up pic.twitter.com/jXLWAYncec

— 🔛🔝🔜 (@Alfonzograham2) July 31, 2023

“When you come out of a storm you won’t be the same person you walked in …Suffered a Torn labrum in my shoulder I promise the Comeback will be Amazing The talent I have is amazing God just wasn’t ready for the world see yet See y’all in 2024 stay prayed up,” Graham said.

Graham suffered the injury on Saturday during the team’s 7-on-7 period. He rose up to make a grab and came directly down on his shoulder. Trainers immediately looked at it and Graham was carted to the locker room after suffering the injury. He was one of three new injuries the team suffered on Saturday.

Graham won the MEAC rushing title in 2022, rushing for 1150 yards and 8 touchdowns while earning first-team all-conference honors with his strong 2022 season. Starting out at Arizona Western, Graham has been all around the college football landscape, including at the JUCO level at Independence Community College. Then, he would transfer up to Fullerton College, but transferred for a third time during the COVID-19 pandemic after the college canceled their season.

Not only does Graham have experience as a receiver and running back, but Graham has been a kick returner for Morgan State, amassing over 300 kick return yards in 2021. He is only 5-foot-8, but Graham seems to have impressed coaches and received a contract as a result.

The team signed Graham after a standout rookie minicamp. Now, they have a spot open on the roster to look for another running back that they could use to fill the void left by Graham following the injury.