The Steelers defense didn’t need any more causes for concern heading into Sunday’s showdown with the Ravens, but it added another Friday.
Defensive lineman Cam Heyward, who’s enjoying one of his finest seasons, did not practice due to illness, according to the team’s injury report, meaning the Steelers (5-5-1) could be without three of their top defensive players in a pivotal game against their bitter divisional rivals.
All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt, who’s spent the past four days on the Reserve/COVID-19 List, also was absent from practice again as he remains in protocol. Meanwhile, Joe Haden (foot) will miss his third consecutive game due to a foot injury.
That would be a formidable trio out of the lineup against the AFC North Division leaders, who rank fourth in total offense (393.5 yards) and second in rushing (150.7 yards).
If Heyward cannot not play, it would be a heavy blow to a run defense that’s been gashed in recent weeks, including last Sunday’s loss at Cincinnati where it surrendered 198 yards on the ground. Heyward ranks second on the team in sacks (5.5) and third in tackles (57).
The Steelers don’t have to declare anyone out until Saturday afternoon. Two weeks ago, they announced quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was cleared from COVID protocol on the morning before the game in Los Angeles.
It figures to be a nervous 24 to 48 hours for a franchise riding a three-game winless streak and in danger of falling out the playoff picture. After Sunday, the Steelers have a quick turnaround as they travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings on Thursday night.
This stretch of games always looked to be the most challenging when the schedule was released in the spring. Now, it’s been made more daunting with the injuries and illnesses plaguing the defense.
Even before Watt was sidelined with COVID, he’s been dealing with knee and hip injuries all while recording 12.5 sacks. The loss of Haden was massively exploited by the Bengals last week in their 41-10 tanning of the Steelers.
The one top defender who hasn’t missed time this season is the 32-year-old Heyward. He’s been a bright spot on a defense that ranks 25th in overall yards allowed (367.5) and 28th in rushing yards (133.1.)
Part of the issue has been the instability along a defensive line that’s been without Stephon Tuitt all season and Tyson Alualu since Week 2 due to injury. Their replacements have not played to the level expected. Isaiah Buggs was made a healthy scratch last Sunday as Heyward started the game at nose tackle. Henry Mondeaux was elevated to the top of the depth chart at that position this week, allowing Heyward to return to defensive end.
After the Steelers were hammered in Cincinnati, Mike Tomlin spoke of potential changes, and later that night the club signed veteran defensive lineman Montravius Adams off the Saints’ practice squad. Adams is likely to get snaps Sunday at nose tackle on Sunday.
Adams played five games with the Saints this season, and has appeared in 50 games overall after spending the previous four years with the Packers. He’s anxious for his chance Sunday.
“It’s a great opportunity for me, especially for what I feel are my strengths,” said Adams, a third-round pick of the Packers in 2017. “I feel the way they are using me in this defense is setting me up for success.”
The 6-foot-3, 304-pound Adams hopped a 6 a.m. flight from New Orleans to Pittsburgh on Monday upon learning of the Steelers' move on Sunday night.
“It's been a blessing just to be here, (to) be around some of these leaders, some legends like Cam, people like that,” he said.
Adams hopes to play alongside Heyward Sunday. Probably not as much as the rest of the organization does.
THE INJURY REPORT
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
