With Anthony Chickillo's status with the team in limbo following his arrest over the weekend in Fayette County involving a domestic violence issue, the Steelers find themselves a little lean at the outside linebacker position.
Compounding the issue is the fact starter T.J. Watt is dealing with an abdominal injury that could, at the very least, slow him down early in the practice week as the Steelers (2-4) prepare to host the Dolphins (0-6) Monday night at Heinz Field.
That leaves the team with only Bud Dupree and backup Ola Adeniyi healthy or available at the position, something Mike Tomlin noted Tuesday.
"I'm not feeling great, but such is life in the National Football League," Tomlin said of his outside linebacker depth. "At times, you're going to be challenged positionally. I didn't feel great about our running back depth last week. It's part of the team, part of the journey, part of this process.
"We'll make do. We'll make the necessary adjustments, whether it be at outside linebacker or anywhere else we feel like we might be falling short in terms of depth and numbers. We'll field a group, and we'll field a group we feel is capable of playing winning football."
The Steelers have told Chickillo to stay away from the team facility while an investigation takes place into his situation. And Tomlin was non-committal when asked if the linebacker would be welcomed back at some point later this week, referring to a statement made by general manager Kevin Colbert on the issue.
"In regard to the recent incident involving Anthony Chickillo, we will continue to gather information, and we will fully cooperate with the NFL’s investigation," Colbert said. "Any discipline involving the player will be determined after the gathering of further information from law enforcement and the League Office."
Compounding the issue is the fact the Steelers will be playing their first full game without defensive end Stephon Tuitt. Tomlin said last week the team's outside linebackers will be expected to help account for the loss of Tuitt, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the team's 24-17 win against the Chargers Oct. 13.
The expectation is that Watt, the team's starting left outside linebacker, will be slowed early in the week but have a chance to play against the Dolphins.
But Chickillo has been the team's top backup at outside linebacker, playing 44 snaps in three games. He missed three games with a foot injury.
The Steelers had veteran Jayrone Elliott on their roster when Chickillo missed three games, but released him prior to playing the Chargers to make room for quarterback Paxton Lynch and running back Trey Edmunds on their roster because of injuries at those positions.
Now, Adeniyi, who has played 38 snaps this season, could see increased playing time, subbing at both right and left outside linebacker.
"I think all of our guys who aren't big-time starters better have position flexibility," Tomlin said. "Playing right or left shouldn't be significant in their ability to put their hand in the pile and aid us at the outside linebacker position."
In terms of the health of the rest of the team, Tomlin was optimistic regarding the status of a number of injured players.
According to Tomlin, running back Jaylen Samuels has resumed running after undergoing a minor knee procedure two weeks ago. He is not expected to play against the Dolphins, but could return soon.
Corners Joe Haden (groin), Steven Nelson (groin) and Mike Hilton (calf) could all play against the Dolphins, as should wide receiver James Washington (shoulder) and tight end Vance McDonald (shoulder).
The Steelers also expect to get fullback Roosevelt Nix (knee) back this week. Nix has missed the past five games after undergoing a knee surgery.
