Injuries are simply a reality in the NFL, but that doesn’t lessen their impact on a team’s season. The Steelers, after an up-and-down training camp and preseason, were finally looking as close to healthy as the team had been in the offseason. However, with Pittsburgh’s 2024 opener against the Atlanta Falcons only days away, it appears the team will be tested by injuries yet again.
Several Returning From Injury
Pittsburgh’s practice on Thursday included several crucial pieces that had been nursing various injuries. Jaylen Warren, the shifty complement to Najee Harris in the backfield, was a full participant after a hamstring held him back since sustaining the injury against the Buffalo Bills in the preseason. The Steelers could be choosing to slowly ramp up Warren’s participation after he was considered limited during the team’s Wednesday practice.
With Cordarrelle Patterson as the team’s third running back, the position group is one of the deeper parts of the Steelers’ roster. If it is determined that Warren isn’t able to go on Sunday when the Steelers play in Atlanta, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a proven track record in getting production from Patterson. In 2021 and 2022 combined, Patterson rushed for 1,313 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 670 receiving yards, catching five touchdowns. A crowded 2023 backfield relegated him to a depth role, but if the Steelers need him to step up in Warren’s place, he is more than capable.
Progress On Both Sides Of The Ball
Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, the Steelers’ 2024 first-round pick, suffered a sprained MCL in Pittsburgh’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans. It appeared as though it would sideline the lineman for at least the 2024 season opener. After missing Pittsburgh’s remaining preseason games and being limited in practices, Fautanu was a full participant on Thursday. There is plenty of time for the situation to go either way, but for the moment, Fautanu is working hard to ensure he doesn’t miss the first game of his rookie season.
Cory Trice Jr. is another player who should play an essential role for the Steelers in 2024. The cornerback (6’3), along with Joey Porter Jr. (6’2) and Darius Rush (6’3), form the trio known as the Avatar cornerbacks due to their height and the kind of wingspan defensive backs coaches dream about. A groin injury in the preseason finale seemed like it could hold Trice back, but he joined Fautanu and Warren as full participants in Thursday’s practice.
Offensive Depth Could Be Tested
The Russell Wilson era in Pittsburgh has been a rollercoaster ever since a conditioning drill involving a blocking sled caused the veteran quarterback to sustain a calf injury, which caused him to miss significant time both in training camp and early in preseason. A productive but short outing against the Lions to close out the 2024 preseason had Wilson looking as healthy as a 35-year-old quarterback can heading into a season. However, on Thursday, while Fautanu, Warren, and Trice took steps forward, Wilson felt tightness in his calf.
The Steelers have been cautious with Wilson’s calf since the injury occurred, but the concern is that it could cause him to miss the season opener. Darnell Washington didn’t practice on Thursday with a knee injury, opening the door for MyCole Pruitt to see more action than expected. Smith has a history of utilizing multiple tight ends in his offense, so Washington’s availability will impact Pittsburgh’s gameday strategy. It will be up to the other tight ends on the roster to pick up the slack if Washington’s knee ends up hampering him to the extent that he can’t play on Sunday.
Final Thoughts
While the Steelers have depth to fill in if any of these injuries become more serious than they appear, it wouldn’t be the ideal start to a 2024 season that fans are hoping will get the taste of 2023 out of their mouths. Washington, a huge target and brilliant blocker, won’t raise alarm bells if he waits a week to start his 2024 campaign. However, if Wilson’s calf results in Justin Fields being the starting quarterback in Week 1 for the Steelers, it would usher in the dreaded talk of a quarterback controversy.
Pittsburgh spent the offseason building an offense that is miles better than what was fielded in 2023, and getting off to a fast start is crucial. The Steelers have the toughest schedule in the NFL, with a brutal stretch to close out the season. Whether it’s Wilson or Fields, the Steelers want to eliminate drama and start competing among the top teams in the league again. An excellent way to ensure that happens is to leave Atlanta with a win and some much-needed confidence.
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