Steelers Place Promising Nose Tackle on Injured Reserve

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed veteran nose tackle Breiden Fehoko on injured reserve, the team announced Sunday. Since it’s in the early portion of the IR process, Fehoko could be sidelined for the entire season. The Steelers would have to designate him for a return before roster cut-down day.

Fehoko suffered a shoulder injury during Tuesday’s practice.

In addition, the Steelers waived linebacker Easton Gibbs, and signed defensive lineman Marquiss Spencer and linebacker Luquay Washington. The Steelers also restored defensive lineman Dean Lowry to the active list. Lowry opened camp on the active/physically unable to perform list.

Process! Be back soon! 💪🏼💪🏼

— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) August 11, 2024

The Steelers signed Breiden Fehoko to a one-year, deal on March 30, 2023 after his contract with the Los Angeles Chargers expired.

During his first year in Pittsburgh, Fehoko failed to record any official stats despite being on the active roster for seven regular season games. He spent time between the team’s active roster and the practice squad.

Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Breiden Fehoko at practice on Aug. 2, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Fehoko knew what it was like to sit back and learn from the sidelines as he did it during his first two seasons which led to a breakout in 2022.

“When I look back to my last year playing in 2022, and arguably my most productive year in the NFL, I think a big reason why I was able to play so well that year for the Chargers in the time being was because of [two reasons,]” Fehoko told Derrick Bell of Steelers Now. “One, I was physically ready from college, and two, the mental reps and mental capacity that I have been able to develop over time in the NFL.

“Even this past year, I know I didn’t get to play as much as I wanted or the role I wanted, but learning under coach (Karl) Dunbar and coach (Denzel) Martin and those guys, I already know my game just took a whole other step in a direction that I wanted it to go in.

The former LSU product and Hawaii native had high expectations for himself in 2024. Unfortunately, Fehoko might not be able to showcase his talents due to the season-ending shoulder injury.

The Los Angeles Chargers signed Breiden Fehoko as an undrafted free agent in 2020 after he won a national championship at LSU with Joe Burrow and many other current NFL players.

Fehoko appeared in 19 career games for the Chargers over the course of his first three seasons in the NFL. In his career, Fehoko started four games and recorded 36 tackles and one tackle for loss.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT