PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are leaving Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets defeated and beat up, especially along their defense.
Already playing without T.J. Watt and Ahkello Witherspoon, the Steelers saw four more defensive starters injured on Sunday, and one couldn’t finish the game.
Strong safety Terrell Edmunds was removed from the game and placed in the NFL concussion protocol after colliding with New York Jets running back Michael Carter while breaking up a pass in the second quarter.
Defensive tackle Cam Heyward twice left the game with left arm and right ankle injuries, but he was able to return both times.
“You get some bumps and bruises that come with he job,” Heyward said. “Just the way it is. Won’t make an excuse for it. I was able to come back from it. But yeah, took some hits.”
Tyson Alualu, Chris Wormley and DeMarvin Leal helped replace Heyward in his absences.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick suffered a knee injury late in the game. He was able to return, but Tomlin said after the game he was being evaluated.
Edmunds was replaced by Tre Norwood, who made his first career appearance at strong safety. When Fitzpatrick went down, Edmunds moved back to free safety and Miles Killebrew came into the game.
Cornerback Cam Sutton played through a hamstring injury, Tomlin said. Sutton had also been dealing with a groin injury during practice this week.
The Steelers had all four members of their starting secondary out or playing injured by the end of the game.