Over the course of Sunday’s home-opening defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, four Pittsburgh Steelers defensive players left the game at some point because of injury.
This after two starters went down during the previous week’s season opener to a degree that neither was available for the 31-17 loss to Seattle.
“We were down some bodies (on defense) going into the game, (and) we absorbed some attrition in-game,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “Many of those guys are new (to the Steelers in 2025), so it’s a challenge.”
Already playing without cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) and safety DeShon Elliott (knee), the Steelers lost outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk during the first half Sunday to what Tomlin referred to as high-ankle sprains.
Neither Loudermilk nor Highsmith returned to Sunday’s game, and each was in a walking boot after the game — Loudermilk on his right foot and Highsmith his left. Loudermilk also had crutches.
The initial fate was much better for the three other Steelers defensive players injured against Seattle. Inside linebackers Patrick Queen (ribs) and Payton Wilson (what Tomlin called “heat-related fatigue”) were attended to by training personnel for a time during the third quarter Sunday, but each returned to the game.
Similarly, reserve cornerback James Pierre suffered what was termed an arm injury during the kickoff on which Seattle scored, but Tomlin said Pierre returned to the game.
The Steelers’ next game is Sept. 21 at the New England Patriots.
