Marred by injuries and two lengthy weather delays, the Steelers couldn’t muster much offense in a 24-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals yesterday at Acrisure Stadium.
Arizona took a 10-3 lead into halftime, which was extended by an hour-and-a-half due to inclement weather that rolled through the Pittsburgh-area. The Steelers had a chance to tie it, taking the ball 79 yards to the Arizona one-yard line, but the drive stalled and setup a 99-yard scoring drive for the Cardinals. Diontae Johnson scored the Steelers’ only touchdown late in the fourth quarter from two-yards out.
Former Pitt and Steelers running back James Conner carried the ball 25 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns for the Cardinals in his return to Pittsburgh. Linebacker Alex Highsmith had two tackles for a loss and one-and-a-half sacks.
Coach Mike Tomlin said it was an awful game.
Mitch Trubisky went 11-for-17 passing with 117 yards and a touchdown in relief of Kenny Pickett, who went down in the second quarter with an ankle injury. He said the Steelers weren’t ready for the Cardinals.
Reports say Pickett will undergo a medical procedure today and will likely miss 2-4 weeks.
Other injuries include linebacker Elandon Roberts, who suffered a groin injury, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick a broken hand, and offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo a shoulder injury. All left the game and never returned. T.J. Watt suffered an ankle injury in the second half, but returned shortly after and said in his postgame comments he was “good.”
With seemingly half a roster, the Steelers will look to start preparations for New England, who they host Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
The only other AFC North team in action yesterday was Cleveland, who lost to the Rams, 36-19.
Week 13 wraps up tonight with Cincinnati battling Jacksonville in Monday Night Football.
NFL
Texans rookie wide receiver Tank Dell will miss the rest of the season after suffering a fractured fibula against Denver yesterday. He wraps up his season with 47 catches, 709 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Saints quarterback Derek Carr was placed in NFL’s concussion protocol after exiting in the fourth quarter against Detroit. His status moving forward is unknown.
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