Steelers Lose Yet Another Safety to Injury

BALTIMORE — Pittsburgh Steelers safety Eric Rowe left his team’s game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday and is questionable to return with a neck injury, the team announced.

Rowe appeared to be injured as Ravens running back Gus Edwards ran for a big game on a third down. The Ravens scored a touchdown on the following play, with Rowe on the sideline.

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He was taken to the medical tent on the Pittsburgh sideline for examination before the team announced his injury and status.

Rowe is the seventh player to start a game for the Steelers at safety this season, as the position has been beset by injuries in the second half of the season.

Minkah Fitzpatrick missed his third straight game with a knee injury, Trenton Thompson missed his third in a row with a neck injury, Keanu Neal remains on the injured reserve list with a rib injury, and Damontae Kazee is serving the final game of a three-game suspension. 

Rowe, who was called up from the practice squad for the third straight game, and cornerback Patrick Peterson started the game at safety. Elijah Riley and special teams captain Miles Killebrew are the other two safeties on the roster.

The Steelers ran just one defensive play without Rowe before the end of the first half. It’s likely that Riley will replace him if he is unable to return for the third period.