PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen unexpectedly did not practice on Thursday with a groin injury, but the team was just being cautious. Queen confirmed to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now that his absence Thursday was just precautionary, and he’ll be good to go on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Queen was a full practice participant on Friday and doesn’t have an injury designation for Sunday.
Queen said his absence Thursday was just precautionary. Should be good to go. https://t.co/wETgHsPG22
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) September 13, 2024
Queen had a quiet Steelers debut in Sunday’s 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, but he attributed that to how well the defensive line played.
“It was kinda boring,” Queen said, ”I missed two tackles I wish I could have back, but when you’ve got a D-line like that, it’s kinda hard to make plays.”
Queen allowed two receptions for 36 yards and earned a 49.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Overall, PFF gave Queen a dreadful 28.8 grade for his performance against Atlanta.
The Steelers gave Queen the largest free-agent deal in franchise history by almost $5 million annually this offseason. The previous record was held by right guard James Daniels, who averages $8.83 million per year. Queen will average $13.66 million on his three-year, $41 million deal.
The expectations are certainly high for Queen in Pittsburgh. In 2023, Queen played in all 17 games with the Baltimore Ravens, racking up 133 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, six passes defended, one interception and one forced fumble. He was named a second-team All-Pro and was selected to the AFC Pro Bowl squad, his first career honor in each category.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin raved about Queen during his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show two weeks ago.
“Man, I love Patrick Queen. I can’t believe Patrick Queen plays for us,” Tomlin told Eisen. “I smile every time I hear his name because I’ve seen just firsthand what he’s capable of as a young, talented player. He’s got the combination of youth and experience.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.