Steelers Could Get Back Two Key Players vs. Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that linebacker Tyler Matakevich (hamstring) and running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) could return for Monday night’s game against the New York Giants. Matakevich was placed on injured reserve after the Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos and Patterson has been out since Week 5.
Matakevich suffered the hamstring injury while making a tackle on a punt return against Denver.
Matakevich had two tackles over the first two games to lead all Steelers special teamers. He had played 36 snaps over two games, all on special teams. In addition to punt coverage, he also worked on punt return, kick coverage and kick return units.
The 31-year-old returned to Pittsburgh this summer after spending the previous four seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He was originally a seventh-round draft pick of the Steelers out of Temple in 2016.
Patterson’s injury occurred in the Week 4 loss against the Indianapolis Colts after a 10-yard run to set the Steelers’ up at the Colts’ 25-yard line. George Pickens fumbled on the next play and Colts safety Julian Blackmon recovered the loose ball, however. Patterson had runs of 12, 11, 9 and 10 yards to get the Steelers deep in Colts’ territory. He also had a 14-yard reception on the drive.Patterson finished with 43 yards rushing on six carries (7.2 average).
Jaylen Warren, who has been hampered by injuries this season, looked like he was at full health in Sunday night’s win over the Jets. He rushed for 44 yards on 12 carries (3.7 average) and had two receptions for 15 yards. Najee Harris also recorded his second straight 100-yard performance in the game. Patterson returning would provide a solid trio of RBs for Arthur Smith’s offense.
Matakevich is also a special teams demon, playing on all four phases for Danny Smith’s special teams unit. The Steelers special teams have been phenomenal this season. Patterson is also a threat in the return game.
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