Mike Tomlin speaks out on Steelers’ injury woes
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2023 season has been marred by a relentless wave of injuries, a situation head coach Mike Tomlin describes as “attrition.” This term has become synonymous with the team’s struggles, with Tomlin referencing it repeatedly throughout the year. As they gear up for their Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, the Steelers’ injury crisis shows no signs of abating.
Injury updates and silver linings
During his weekly press conference, Tomlin could have easily spent the entire session discussing the toll injuries have taken on his roster. Amidst the grim updates, he did share some glimmers of hope. Safety Kyle Dugger and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon are reportedly making strides in their rehabilitation processes. Additionally, Tomlin provided an encouraging update on wide receiver DK Metcalf, who had a concerning moment in the previous game but appears to be recovering well.
However, the positive news was short-lived, as the Steelers prepare for a critical game with a lengthy injury report overshadowing their preparations.
Concussion protocol takes center stage
The injury situation escalated dramatically during the last game, with three players suffering concussions. The Steelers lost two offensive starters and a vital defensive player mid-game. Starting left tackle Andrus Peat and tight end Darnell Washington both sustained concussions, alongside linebacker Malik Harrison, who faced a particularly alarming collision with Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
Tomlin emphasized that the health and safety of the players take precedence, stating, “Certainly we have several guys in the concussion protocol. We’ll let that process run its course and the medical experts will be center-stage in terms of determining the availability of those guys.” The players affected include Peat, Harrison, and Washington, all of whom must be cleared by medical personnel before they can rejoin their teammates.
As the Steelers look to navigate this injury-riddled landscape, the impact on their performance remains to be seen. The team’s resilience will undoubtedly be put to the test as they face the Dolphins, all while hoping for a swift recovery for their key contributors.
