Steelers defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt will miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle that will require surgery, according to report by Chris Mortensen of ESPN.
Tuitt was injured in the first half of the Steelers’ Week 6 win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night and did not return.
He was in the midst of a breakout campaign. Through five games, Tuitt has 3.5 sacks and six tackles for loss, both already approaching career highs.
Veteran reserve Tyson Alualu replaced Tuitt on Sunday. Sixth-round rookie Isaiah Buggs is the only other defensive end on the Steelers roster.
Tuitt is the fourth Steelers regular to be lost for the season to injury, joining starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, free safety Sean Davis and tight end Xavier Grimble.
The Steelers are also dealing with injuries to regulars Mark Barron, Joe Haden, Steve Nelson, Roosevelt Nix, Mason Rudolph, Jaylen Samuels and James Washington as the team enters its bye week.