PITTSBURGH — The Steelers might be with out three defensive starters in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, together with cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Coach Mike Tomlin was initially optimistic that Porter, who skilled hamstring tightness in opposition to the Jets, could be accessible Sunday. However Porter did not take part in follow all week.
With Porter out, Pittsburgh will flip to offseason addition Brandin Echols and James Pierre to assist fill in for the cornerback.
“Completely, I imagine so,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin stated of Echols’ functionality of taking part in outdoors nook in Porter’s absence. “I do know once we first received him within the offseason, we anticipated him taking part in a giant function [before adding Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey]. He is nonetheless a extremely good participant, and so I do not really feel hamstrung about something now that he has to step up and get right into a extra superior function.”
Pittsburgh might additionally depend on the flexibility of Ramsey, who has major performed within the slot. He performed each place within the secondary in opposition to the Jets when accidents hit the Steelers within the Week 1 win.
The crew may even be with out security DeShon Elliott (knee) and Derrick Harmon (knee). Elliott injured his knee in opposition to the Jets, whereas Harmon is recovering from an MCL sprain sustained within the last preseason recreation in opposition to the Panthers.
Though it is lacking three gamers, the Pittsburgh protection does have one key returnee in edge rusher Nick Herbig, who missed the season opener with a hamstring damage. He is off the damage report for Sunday and is about to make his season debut.
