PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Often when you hear coaches say they don't know something about injuries. They are likely hiding information for a competitive advantage. While a little of that is going on right now. Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler seems genuine in saying he's a bit in the dark just days before hosting Cincinnati.
"We don't know who is going to play and who is not right now," Butler said. "You have groin situations and all that. The guys we don't know. We can't plan on using them. We'll see."
That list includes three starting linebackers. All Pro TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and Devin Bush along with corner Joe Haden. Plus two of his starting defensive linemen are on injured reserve, Tyson Alualu and Stephon Tuitt.
Isaiah Buggs (1 NFL start) and Chris Wormley (17 NFL starts) are now starting linemen. Steelers getting Melvin Ingram could be their best signing in years to have him at outside linebacker with Jamir Jones (19 NFL snaps). Those are the only two healthy options currently at outside linebacker.
"You draft and you sign players in the offseason trying to get them where they can help you on special teams and back up people," Butler said. "We're hopeful the guys we are going to use can do what we ask them to do. We have to keep that in mind when we run & call our defenses."
"We have players who can step up and play," Ingram said. "Whoever suited up, whoever is going. We still have a rotation. We are still going to get the job done."
Jones didn't play in the NFL last year. Got a roster invite and worked his way on the team through a great training camp. He has a pair of tackles on the season, both against the Raiders.
"He's got good hands, real good hands," Butler said of the 6'3", 255-pounder from Notre Dame. "He does a great job of using his hands rushing the passer which all good pass rushers do."
"We are very comfortable with him," Ingram said of Jones. "There is a reason why he is here. He is a great player. When he gets his opportunity. He will get the job done for sure."
"I've seen him grow tremendously, just every day from camp to practice to the game. Every day he is working. He's going to be a great football player in this league."
For insurance, the Steelers signed former first round pick Taco Charlton to the practice squad on Tuesday. The 26-year-old had signed with the Chiefs in the off-season, but released. He's 6'6", 270 pounds and a former first round pick by Dallas in 2017. He's played mostly defensive end with 11 career sacks, two last year with Kansas City.
"He'd be an outside linebacker for us," Butler said. "He's played in the three-point stance a lot. He's played in the two-point stance a lot. He's still learning right now."
"I don't want to throw him in there. If we throw him in there we better limit what we call in there and teach him a few defenses if we can. I don't know if we are going to have to use him on Sunday or not. We'll see."
"Injuries are part of football," Ingram said. "No matter what position or what group you are in. It's a part of football. When injuries appear you have to deal with them and keep truckin'."
"The more guys we lose it gets harder," said Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward. "The younger guys have to be willing to step up. I'm not asking them to take the bulk of the reps, but we just got to have guys that are able. Know what they are doing out there."
"The biggest thing I had with Tuitt and Tyson is trust. We built that over the years. It's time for the younger guys to build trust in and see if they can do it on a snap-to-snap basis."
"You always wish you had your starters," Butler said. "There is a reason they are starters. There is a reason they are paid big money because they've shown they can do it in this league. The guys behind them are unknowns."
"We can't guarantee anything. We don't know what is going to happen until we line up and play. We are going to do the best with what we got."
