PITTSBURGH — The Steelers might be with out three defensive starters towards the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, together with cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Coach Mike Tomlin was initially optimistic that Porter, who skilled hamstring tightness towards the Jets, can be accessible Sunday. However Porter did not take part in apply all week.
With Porter out, Pittsburgh will flip to offseason addition Brandin Echols and James Pierre to assist fill in for the cornerback.
“Completely, I consider so,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin stated of Echols’ functionality of taking part in outdoors nook in Porter’s absence. “I do know after we first bought him within the offseason, we anticipated him taking part in a giant function [before adding Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey]. He is nonetheless a extremely good participant, and so I do not really feel hamstrung about something now that he has to step up and get right into a extra superior function.”
Pittsburgh might additionally depend on the flexibility of Ramsey, who has main performed within the slot. He performed each place within the secondary towards the Jets when accidents hit the Steelers within the Week 1 win.
The crew will even be with out security DeShon Elliott (knee) and Derrick Harmon (knee). Elliott injured his knee towards the Jets, whereas Harmon is recovering from an MCL sprain sustained within the ultimate preseason sport towards the Panthers.
Though it is lacking three gamers, the Pittsburgh protection does have one key returnee in edge rusher Nick Herbig, who missed the season opener with a hamstring damage. He is off the damage report for Sunday and is about to make his season debut.
