The Steelers have downgraded nose tackle Isaiah Buggs to out for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, team spokesman Burt Lauten announced on Saturday.
Buggs had originally been listed as questionable for the game with an ankle injury. He was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice session, but missed each of the team’s final two prep sessions.
Buggs has been hampered by the injury for several weeks and hasn’t played since the team’s Week 11 game at Los Angeles. In total, Buggs has played 10 games and made six starts this season, setting a career high with 17 tackles and two tackles for loss.
With starter Tyson Alualu on injured reserve long term and fellow nose tackle Montravius Adams Sr. on the COVID-19 reserve list, the Steelers will be down to Carlos Davis at the nose tackle position on Sunday.
They’ll also be short of overall defensive line depth. Behind starting ends Cam Heyward and Chris Wormley, Henry Mondeaux and Isaiah Loudermilk are the only other defensive linemen on the 53-man roster, leaving the Steelers with just five active, healthy players for Sunday.
Daniel Archibong and Khalil Davis are candidates to potentially be elevated from the practice squad for the game.