As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Week 6 matchup, the team’s Friday injury report has added a layer of complexity to their game planning. Head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will have to make some key adjustments with several significant players ruled out and others listed as questionable. Let’s break down the injury report, discuss the potential impact on the team’s overall performance, and explore what this means for Pittsburgh as they head into a crucial game.
OUT: S Damontae Kazee (ankle), OLB Nick Herbig (hamstring), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), DL DeMarvin Leal (neck), OLB Alex Highsmith (groin), TE MyCole Pruitt (knee)
- S Damontae Kazee (ankle)
Kazee’s absence is a blow to the Steelers’ secondary. The versatile safety has been an integral part of the team’s pass coverage and run support. His ability to rotate between playing deep in coverage and stepping up to the line of scrimmage gives defensive coordinator Teryl Austin flexibility in disguising coverages. Without Kazee, expect a heavier workload for Minkah Fitzpatrick and more reliance on backups like Keanu Neal to fill the void. The Steelers’ defense will need to find a way to compensate for his absence, especially against opposing offenses that like to stretch the field.
- OLB Nick Herbig (hamstring)
Herbig, a rookie linebacker, has shown flashes of potential, particularly in pass-rushing situations. Though he’s still finding his footing in the NFL, his athleticism and high motor have contributed to Pittsburgh’s depth at outside linebacker. With Herbig ruled out, depth becomes a concern for the Steelers. This makes it even more critical for the starting pass rushers to stay healthy and effective.
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle)
The Steelers have been using Patterson as a versatile weapon out of the backfield. His ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield gives Pittsburgh a unique advantage in mismatch situations. With Patterson sidelined, the offense loses an element of unpredictability. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada will need to rethink his plans for using dynamic playmakers to compensate for Patterson’s absence.
- DL DeMarvin Leal (neck)
Leal’s injury further depletes an already thin defensive line. The second-year defensive lineman has been a key rotational player, providing interior pressure and contributing to the Steelers’ run-stopping efforts. Without him, Pittsburgh’s defensive front could struggle to maintain a consistent push, putting more pressure on veterans like Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi to anchor the defensive line. The depth behind Leal is concerning, and opposing teams may look to exploit this weakness in both the run and pass game.
- OLB Alex Highsmith (groin)
Perhaps the most significant absence on the injury report is Alex Highsmith. As one of the team’s top edge rushers, Highsmith’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks is critical to the Steelers’ defensive success. Pairing with T.J. Watt, Highsmith forms one of the most feared pass-rushing duos in the league. With Highsmith out, it puts tremendous pressure on the rest of the defense to pick up the slack. Expect a bigger role for backups like Marcus Golden and special defensive packages designed to generate pressure without Highsmith’s presence.
- TE MyCole Pruitt (knee)
Pruitt’s injury affects the depth at tight end. Though not the primary target in the passing game, Pruitt has contributed significantly as a blocker and occasional receiving threat. His absence could limit some of the two-tight end sets that Pittsburgh likes to use in short-yardage and red-zone situations. This may force the Steelers to adjust their play calling in these scenarios, relying more on players like Pat Freiermuth or utilizing extra offensive linemen in blocking schemes.
QUESTIONABLE: RB Jaylen Warren (knee)
Jaylen Warren has been a sparkplug for the Steelers’ offense, providing a change of pace to Najee Harris in the backfield. His explosiveness and versatility make him a valuable asset, particularly on third downs and in passing situations. Being listed as questionable creates uncertainty for the Steelers’ running game. If Warren is unable to go, it places a heavier load on Harris, who has been the team’s workhorse. Harris has the talent to shoulder the burden, but without Warren, the Steelers lose a dynamic element to their backfield attack, which could limit their ability to stay balanced on offense.
Adjustments and Opportunities
The injury report presents challenges, but it also opens opportunities for younger players and backups to step up. For the Steelers, depth will be tested, and it will be crucial for Tomlin and his staff to devise a game plan that accounts for these absences.
- Defensive Adjustments: Without Highsmith and Kazee, Pittsburgh will need to rely more on schemes that generate pressure and coverages that disguise their weaknesses. T.J. Watt will likely draw even more double teams, so role players like Marcus Golden and the interior rushers must step up to create pressure. In the secondary, Fitzpatrick’s leadership will be even more critical, and communication will need to be flawless to avoid big plays.
- Offensive Adjustments: Without Patterson and potentially Warren, the Steelers’ running game may lack its usual punch. Matt Canada will need to craft a game plan that leverages Harris’s strengths while finding creative ways to use the remaining offensive playmakers. Expect more short passing plays to wide receivers and tight ends to mitigate the loss of running back depth.
- Special Teams Impact: Special teams play could also be affected by the absence of players like Kazee, Herbig, and Patterson. Backup players and special teams contributors will need to step into larger roles, and the Steelers must avoid giving up crucial field position due to breakdowns.
The Steelers’ Week 6 injury report paints a tough picture, with key contributors on both sides of the ball sidelined. However, adversity has always been a part of the NFL, and teams must adapt. Pittsburgh has the coaching staff, leadership, and depth to weather the storm. How they adjust to these injuries will determine their success as they head into a critical stretch of the season.
