PITTSBURGH — The Steelers have many questions to their personnel on the defensive side of the ball. However, one of those massive questions are looming large over star defensive end Stephon Tuitt. Tuitt never suited up in the 2022 season, and that left questions about whether he would ever return. Not only did Tuitt suffer a knee injury in the summer, but his brother was killed in a hit and run last June.
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert was asked about the status of Tuitt and where things currently stand. There seem to be no guarantees, but the Steelers and Tuitt are at least talking at this point. Out of those conversations is where the Steelers can concoct a plan to forward with Tuitt towards his potential return.
“Stephon had a tough season last year,” Colbert said. “He was battling through a knee injury that he worked his way through. We put him on injured reserve. He’s had a personal situation that he’s had to deal with. We have been in contact with Stephon and we are very open to continuing to help him, that position, and his availability to us. We just hope for the best for him as he tries to return to the Steelers.”
Thus, the Steelers are still rather unclear of Tuitt’s status as they head into the meat of the offseason. Without Tuitt, they likely will look to add someone to the defensive line room, as well as bring back Montravius Adams. With Tuitt, only Adams needs to return in order for the group to round itself into a stellar unit nicely.
it is a dicey situation to deal with, and Tuitt rightfully deserves all the support he can get from the organization and those around him. It now just becomes a point of clarity whether the Steelers can expect him back on the football field.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.