The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a challenging game against the Dallas Cowboys, culminating in a narrow 20-17 loss that extended into the early hours of the morning. Amidst the disappointment of the defeat, the team is also contending with a series of injuries that have raised concerns for their upcoming games.
Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media after the game, providing an update on the team’s injury status. He confirmed that both Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal sustained injuries during the match. Herbig suffered a hamstring injury, while Leal is being evaluated for a neck injury. Tomlin noted, “Had some injuries in play. Don’t have a lot of information on that,” indicating that further assessments are needed to determine the severity of their conditions.
Herbig’s injury was particularly impactful, occurring in the third quarter when he was pivotal in the defense, contributing with a half-sack and several pressures on the quarterback. His exit from the game left the Steelers vulnerable, as they struggled to maintain pressure on Dallas’s offense. The absence of Herbig forced the Steelers to rely heavily on Jeremiah Moon, who was making his season debut after spending the first month on injured reserve. This shift in personnel undoubtedly tested the team’s depth and conditioning, especially in a tightly contested game.
Leal’s situation also raised alarms as he was seen in distress on the field before walking off. The Steelers were already without outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who missed his second consecutive game due to a groin injury. Highsmith is not expected to return for the team’s next matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, further depleting the team’s linebacker corps.
In addition to the injuries sustained during the game, the Steelers entered the contest with a lengthy injury list. Running backs Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson were both inactive due to knee and ankle injuries, respectively. Tight end MyCole Pruitt was also sidelined with a knee issue, along with quarterback Russell Wilson, who is dealing with a calf injury. While Wilson expressed optimism about returning to action next week, the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position adds another layer of complexity for the Steelers as they prepare for their next game.
Looking ahead, the Steelers are set to face the Raiders in Las Vegas next Sunday at 4:05 PM ET. This upcoming road game will be crucial for the team, especially as they navigate through their injury challenges and aim to secure a much-needed victory.
As the Steelers regroup and assess their roster, the focus will be on recovery and preparing for the next challenge. The team’s ability to adapt to these injuries and maintain their competitive edge will be tested in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Steelers as they continue their season and work through these injury challenges.
