PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It sounded somewhat encouraging for the Steelers getting TJ Watt (knee/hip), Minkah Fitzpatrick (COVID list) and Joe Haden (foot) back for what Mike Tomlin called ‘significant AFC football for us’ at Cincinnati on Sunday.
Tomlin said Tuesday the trio are in the group ‘where they have a level of anticipation for a return’ along with back-up defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk.
“Obviously we could utilize the assistance of those guys,” Tomlin said. “We will let their first availability (likely Wednesday) happen and then the quality of their practice and prep and things relative to their return be a consideration for how much we see them”
Tomlin said they had yet to get the full evaluations on the in-game injuries on Sunday. Center/guard JC Hassenauer left early with a pectoral injury and tight end Eric Ebron left late with a knee injury.
Tomlin said Loudermilk was in the process of gaining more playing time and the stats would prove that out. In the last three games Loudermilk played in 25%, 19% and 35% of the defensive snaps.
“He’s growing versus the run, the pass,” Tomlin said. “His production is revealing that. He’s applying pressure to the quarterback. He’s stacking the point. He’s a guy that’s on the upswing. Hopefully he can continue that when he gets back to us.”
Steelers had to call up three players from the practice squad on Sunday in Los Angeles to cover injuries.