Steelers Could Get Slew of Reinforcements Back vs. Commanders

PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed on Tuesday that cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring), outside linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring), running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), center Zach Frazier (ankle) and linebacker Tyler Matakevich (hamstring) all could return for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders. 

“We’ll see where their participation leads us,” Tomlin said. 

Frazier returned to practice on Monday for the first time as he works his way back from an ankle injury. Frazier was back in his usual spot at the Steelers starting center, alongside left guard Isaac Seumalo at practice on Monday.

The Steelers’ second-round rookie started the first six games of the season, but suffered an ankle injury against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 13 and missed the team’s last two weeks. Ryan McCollum started at center in his place.

Herbig did not practice on Monday, but was on the field in uniform, talking to Tomlin and Danny Smith during an individual period. Herbig has been out since suffering a right hamstring injury against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 6.

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig during practice on Nov. 4, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Patterson has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury during the Steelers’ Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He was a limited participant throughout the week leading up to the Giants game. He was listed as doubtful but was then downgraded to out.

Matakevich was placed on injured reserve after the Steelers’ Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos. He suffered the hamstring injury while making a tackle on a punt return. Like Patterson, Matakevich was a limited practice participate leading up to the Giants game but wasn’t given the green light to play.

Tomlin also said that quarterback Justin Fields experienced a “minor hamstring” injury in the Steelers‘ final practice before their game against the  Giants. They’re not anticipating it being an issue after the bye. He also reiterated that he could have a package of plays going forward.

Elsewhere, cornerback Cam Sutton was back at practice for the first time on Monday after serving his eight-game NFL suspension for violating the league’s domestic violence policy this offseason.

Overall, the Steelers are a pretty healthy unit heading into their Week 9 contest against the Commanders. They should get several key reinforcements back, as well.