In one way or another, injuries seem to have defined the direction of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season. After a one-point victory in Week 10, the Steelers have faith in the depth pieces stepping up in Pittsburgh’s first divisional game of the year. With the 7-3 Baltimore Ravens waiting, it will be all hands on deck to ensure the black and gold retain first place in the AFC North.
Steelers Used To Injury Struggles
From the moment the Steelers began preparing for the 2024 regular season, injuries have been a frustratingly consistent part of the journey. Every team in the NFL deals with injury issues, but Pittsburgh has had to navigate some murky waters on the way to a surprising 7-2 record. Russell Wilson missed the first six games of the campaign with a calf injury, and nothing got easier from there in regards to managing the team’s health. It is one thing to move pieces around as the player recovers, but Pittsburgh has a laundry list of people who are now lost for the 2024 season due to injury.
Nate Herbig, Troy Fautanu, and James Daniels are three starting offensive linemen who suffered season-ending injuries. Roman Wilson hasn’t had a chance to show why he was a 2024 third-round draft pick thanks to his inability to get healthy. Rookie Defensive Back Ryan Watts and Punter Cameron Johnston will also miss the year. Ahead of Ravens week, one of the more important games on the schedule for Pittsburgh, Alex Highsmith is out, and Jaylen Warren popped up on Thursday’s injury report (back). With Highsmith already sidelined, if Warren misses Sunday as well, then depth will be vital again.
Pittsburgh Has Faith In Its Depth
Highsmith is only set to miss a few weeks, which is a best-case scenario, considering how the injury looked when it happened. As the linebacker pressured Washington Commanders’ rookie Quarterback Jayden Daniels, he landed awkwardly on his left ankle and turned it at a nasty angle. Highsmith is one of the best run-stopping linebackers in the NFL, with a remarkable ability to seal the edge and shut down one side for the opposing offense. Considering how good the Ravens’ rushing attack is between Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, Pittsburgh will need help making up for Highsmith’s absence.
That is where a new face and a young Steelers’ standout come into play. Preston Smith made an impact in his first game in black and gold after being traded from the Green Bay Packers before the trade deadline. His veteran experience will be an invaluable complement to the wrecking ball style with which the now-healthy Nick Herbig plays. Herbig has missed the last four games since a hamstring took him out of the Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Between Herbig’s speed and Smith’s defensive vision, the Steelers hope to come as close to replicating Highsmith’s presence as possible against Baltimore.
Concern Over Jaylen Warren
Warren hasn’t been himself in 2024 due to injuries hampering his usual energetic, bowling-ball style of running the football. Against Washington, he looked more like himself, but a late-week back injury has the team concerned that it could impact his availability. Pittsburgh made a roster move to activate running back Jonathan Ward, which could signal that the Steelers are preparing in case Warren can’t go or is limited. Ward won’t be expected to take a big role against the Ravens, with Cordarrelle Patterson ready to back up the surging Najee Harris.
The Ravens have an elite run-stopping defense, so any misstep by the Steelers’ rushing attack could mean a one-dimensional offense. While Pittsburgh has definitely improved the passing game with Wilson under center, that doesn’t mean Arthur Smith wants his veteran quarterback throwing 45 or 50 times. It will take a combination of the stars in black and gold coming to play, as well as some well-timed x-factors stepping up when their number is called. With a chance to increase the division lead in the AFC North, the Steelers need to play bruising, complementary football to earn that 8-2 record.
Final Thoughts
When the Ravens and Steelers meet, it is always a pure spectacle of what football should be, even if the recent rivalry has been said to have lost some of its luster. With five combined losses between the two teams and the Steelers holding a slim AFC North lead, this game means a great deal to both sides. Baltimore brought in Henry and is riding one of the more dangerous rushing combinations in the league, but few expected Pittsburgh to be here. Injuries haven’t derailed the Steelers yet, and with a coach like Mike Tomlin, it is hard to bet against them.
This is Ravens week, though, so the game is played in a microcosm. Nothing else matters but those two teams for sixty minutes, and the victor will have earned it through attrition and grit. Depth has been a huge reason why the Steelers only have two losses, and if that is how the team wants to keep it through Week 11, those pieces will be needed again on either side of the football.
