Steelers Injury Updates
Steelers Rule Out Three OLBs vs. Raiders
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ruled out four players for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, three of which include outside linebackers. Defensive end/outside linebacker DeMarvin Leal (stinger, neck) and outside linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring) sustained injuries in Sunday night’s 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and did not return.
They join Alex Highsmith (groin) on the injury list. Highsmith is not expected to be back until the Week 7 game against the New York Jets. Expect some roster moves to be made this week due to the slew of injuries at OLB. Tomlin said Wednesday will be a big day for the practice squad edge rushers, Ade Ogundeji and Eku Leota. One or both of those players could be elevated.
Herbig suffered a hamstring injury late in the third quarter against Dallas. He appeared to be in significant pain, walking gingerly into the locker room. Leal suffered the neck stinger on the following drive.
Jeremiah Moon was the Steelers only outside linebacker left in the game at one point, as T.J. Watt was getting evaluated in the medical tent. The Steelers were already thin at outside linebacker with Highsmith ruled out for Sunday night’s game.
The Steelers moved defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk to outside linebacker to fill in for Watt on a drive in the fourth quarter. Watt returned on the following possession.
Watt and Moon are the Steelers only healthy outside linebackers right now. Tomlin said that the Steelers will play Loudermilk on the edge moving forward with all the injuries at OLB.
Moon, who was originally an undrafted free agent out of Florida, signed with the Baltimore Ravens his rookie season where he spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad before seeing his first extended play time last year.
The Steelers activated Moon (ankle) from the injured reserved/designated to return list ahead of the Cowboys game.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon in a preseason game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Outside of the three edge rushers, running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) was also ruled out for Sunday’s game against Las Vegas. Tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee), running back Jaylen Warren (knee) and safety Damontae Kazee (ankle) were characterized as doubtful.
“A new addition to the list is Kazee,” Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference when discussing the injuries. “Kazee rolled his ankle pre-game. Was able to function in-game. But obviously on the other side of the game, it really swelled. He’s not in a good spot. He can probably be characterized as doubtful, as well.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.
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What’s with Cordarelle Patterson always having an injury since the day we signed him. We are picking up too many players with injury problems. I realize that injuries are a part of the game because it is a violent sport. But, sometimes you have to play through some of those minor injuries. Ogunjobi is another one who always misses a few games because of injuries. Maybe we need a new fitness coach> Far too many groin injuries.
I agree, seems like we have an inordinate amount of injuries every year! Condition much? 😕