With Chris Wormley Out, the Steelers Look to Isaiahh Loudermilk to Step Up
The Steelers will be without Chris Wormely as they head to Arrowhead Stadium to face Patrick Mahomes and the high-octane Chiefs offense. With Isaiah Buggs on the COVID-19 list and Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu on Injured Reserve, the Steelers are noticeably shorthanded at the defensive line. Specifically, as it relates to true five-techniques, the Steelers are lacking.
So, with such insufficient depth along the defensive line, who will the Steelers turn to with Wormley out with a groin injury? That answer, Cam Heyward says, will be fifth-round pick Isaiahh Loudermilk.
“Isaiahh Loudermilk will be that guy,” Heyward said. “I’m looking for him to take that next step whenever that comes about. It’s gonna be a group effort, but Isaiahh needs to be big for us.”
As the leader in the defensive line room, Heyward has seen all he could possibly see out of Loudermilk and more. From what the All-Pro has seen from the rookie Loudermilk thus far, he is more than encouraged by it.
“Yes, I like what I’ve seen so far,” Heyward said. “But there’s more to be done. What I’ve liked is great, but what I’m expecting is even better.”
While Heyward certainly likes what he sees, defensive coordinator Keith Butler might be a little more noncommital on Loudermilk’s prospects. Still, he is going to be the one that goes.
“92 [Isaiahh Loudermilk] will be that guy,” Butler said. “We’ll see what we have when we get there. You know, we talk about we have this guy and all, but anything can happen.”
Loudermilk will be facing a tough Chiefs offensive line that has protected Mahomes well thus far this season. Still, Loudermilk’s impressive reps thus far at least inspire some confidence in him, even if this is not an ideal situation for him to be thrown into.
Read This Next
