Coach Mike Tomlin says he’s excited about looking for the “appropriate formula” of players and strategy for the Steelers, who are dealing with a rash of injuries on the defensive side of the football. He also said Kaleb Johnson will no longer be returning kicks, at least for now after his mental mistake Sunday gave Seattle an easy touchdown on a kickoff.
Tomlin says Johnson has what it takes to be a major contributor to the Steelers and he will get the chance to return kicks again, if he earns it.
Tomlin listed a number of injured players and said a lot of guys who missed time last week will probably be out this week against New England. Alex Highsmith and Isaiahh Loudermilk are both already ruled out. Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott, and Derrick Harmon are all listed as “questionable”, according to the coach. Injured linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback Darius Slay are expected to play on Sunday, but will be limited in practice.
Tomlin says replacing all of those injured defensive players won’t be easy.
The coach was enthusiastic about his offensive line, which has given up seven sacks in the first two games and been criticized for not driving the running game.
Reporter Jordan Schultz says the Steelers will add former Bills and Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgkins to their practice squad. He signed with the 49ers this offseason and was in the last wave of their cuts at the end of training camp.
NFL
Former Pitt star Calijah Kancey is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. The Tampa Bay Bucs says the defensive lineman will need surgery.
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