Pittsburgh Review

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and his team returned to practice on Monday after their bye week, holding a 6-2 record and leading the AFC North. The break was timely for the Steelers, who have been managing numerous injuries in the first half of their season. Thirteen players are currently on the Reserve/Injured List, while others like Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson have missed significant time without being placed on injured reserve.

As they prepare for the second half of their season with an upcoming game against the 7-2 Washington Commanders, many injured players are nearing a return. "It was also a good week for those who are leaking a little bit or lack 100-percent health to regain some of that and get on a moving train," Tomlin said. He mentioned monitoring players such as Cory Trice and Tyler Matakevich from the Reserve/Injured List and others like Frazier, Herbig, and Patterson who have missed games.

Tomlin also addressed integrating defensive back Cameron Sutton into the defense. Sutton was suspended by the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy but has rejoined Pittsburgh after being released by Detroit Lions. "It's been a big week spent pondering those possibilities," Tomlin noted about adjusting roles as capable players return.

Despite injuries affecting player availability, Tomlin praised his team's resilience. "Oftentimes your day-to-day decisions in the short term are affected by current circumstance," he said. He emphasized focusing on securing more wins rather than overanalyzing past performances.

Looking ahead to facing Washington's rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Tomlin acknowledged Daniels' impressive performance this season with high completion rates and rushing ability. "It doesn't matter what tape you put on third down...his mobility is a major factor," Tomlin stated.

The Steelers will soon face Baltimore's Lamar Jackson again this season. Under Tomlin's leadership, they hold a strong record against rookie quarterbacks at 25-6 and have allowed minimal rushing yards to quarterbacks this year.

"I think we've done some nice things," Tomlin commented regarding defending mobile quarterbacks like Daniels and Jackson in upcoming games.