Category: Pittsburgh Steelers

Richardson Out, Flacco Shines: Colts Lead Steelers After QB Swap in Week 4

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Anthony Richardson’s unfortunate injury streak continued in Week 4, as the Indianapolis Colts’ second-year quarterback suffered a hip injury during a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Richardson, known for his dynamic playmaking ability, started the season with a dazzling touchdown pass, but his early exit marked another setback in his young career.

The injury occurred when Richardson kept the ball on a run-pass option and veered left. Attempting to slide, he awkwardly fell to his knee, which left him vulnerable. Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick collided with Richardson, appearing to lead with his head for a helmet-to-helmet hit. Despite the hard hit, no flag was thrown by the referees.

Richardson left the field and was escorted to the locker room. Although he returned to the sideline shortly after, the Colts quickly announced that their young quarterback would be out for the remainder of the game.

In his absence, veteran Joe Flacco stepped in and immediately made an impact. On his first drive, Flacco threw a touchdown pass, showcasing the experience that made him successful with the Cleveland Browns at the end of last season. This game marked Flacco’s debut with the Colts, making Indianapolis the fifth team he’s played for since 2018.

The Colts, leading the Steelers 17-0 at the time, were in control, with Flacco now taking charge of the offense.

For Richardson, this latest injury is a troubling addition to a growing list. During his rookie season in 2023, he was shut down after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 5. As the Colts continue their 2024 campaign, Richardson’s health will remain a key concern, while Flacco provides a solid backup option.

 

Steelers Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Week 4 Colts Matchup

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As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Week 4 road game against the Indianapolis Colts, injuries are mounting, leaving key players uncertain for the matchup. Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media during his Tuesday press conference, offering insight into the status of several players.

Key Players Likely Out for Week 4

Tomlin confirmed that three important players—outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin), cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring), and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee)—are all expected to miss the Week 4 game due to their injuries. These absences leave gaps in both the defense and special teams, potentially impacting the Steelers’ performance against the Colts.

Other Players Under Injury Watch

Several additional injuries are being closely monitored. Starting left guard Isaac Seumalo, who is dealing with a pectoral injury, and running back Jaylen Warren, who suffered a knee issue, have not been ruled out for Week 4. However, their availability remains uncertain. Tomlin reassured reporters that Warren’s knee injury is unrelated to the hamstring injury he sustained earlier in the preseason. He added that Warren would likely be limited in practice leading up to the game.

Russell Wilson’s Availability Still Uncertain

One of the more pressing concerns for the Steelers is the health of quarterback Russell Wilson. Tomlin acknowledged that Wilson is still dealing with issues from the previous week, leaving his Week 4 participation up in the air.

“Still very much in the same place with Russ this week as we were last week, at least at the beginning of the week,” Tomlin said. He noted that Wilson had a productive workout but indicated that he would likely be a limited participant in practice.

Tomlin made it clear that Justin Fields would be the focal point during practices as the likely starter. However, he did not fully dismiss Wilson’s potential to play, leaving room for a decision later in the week if Wilson’s condition improves.

Najee Harris Ready for Action

In a bit of positive news, Tomlin confirmed that running back Najee Harris, who was spotted wearing a sling after Week 3, is expected to play in Week 4. Harris’ availability is crucial for the Steelers’ offense, as they aim to keep pace with the Colts and maintain their ground game momentum.

With a challenging Week 4 matchup looming, the Steelers must navigate their injury concerns while preparing for the Colts, hoping to have key players back on the field.

NFL Suspends Chargers’ Derwin James for Dangerous Helmet Hit Against Steelers

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The NFL has handed a one-game suspension without pay to LA Chargers safety and former Florida State standout Derwin James. The penalty comes after James was flagged for an illegal hit during last Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, further fueling the league’s effort to reinforce rules protecting player safety.

Suspension Due to Safety Violations

Derwin James was suspended for a violation involving lowering his helmet and delivering a forceful hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in the Chargers’ 20-10 loss. This was not James’ only penalty during the game, as he had also been flagged for a facemask violation earlier in the contest.

The NFL emphasized the importance of player safety in its decision, citing James’ repeated disregard for the rules. In a tweet shared by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the league outlined the severity of the infraction. “The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact… the illegal contact could have been avoided,” the statement read, stressing that such violations would not be tolerated.

Poor Timing for the Chargers

The timing of this suspension couldn’t be worse for the LA Chargers. As they prepare to face the reigning Super Bowl champions, the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs, on September 29, they may also be without their star quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert sustained an ankle injury during the game against the Steelers, putting his availability for the next match in doubt.

With key players on both sides of the ball potentially missing, the Chargers face a tough challenge as they attempt to maintain momentum early in the season.

James’ Impact and Career

Derwin James has been a force on the Chargers’ defense, recording 15 tackles and one sack so far this season. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 218 pounds, the Pro Bowler has spent seven years in the NFL after being drafted in the first round by the Chargers in 2018. Known for his dynamic play, James is a key contributor to LA’s defense and his absence will certainly be felt.

As the Chargers look to regroup, they face an uphill battle against one of the NFL’s most formidable teams without one of their star defenders.

Chargers Up Next: 3 Things Steelers Fans Should Know (and Fear!)

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their home opener this Sunday against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. This game promises to be a gritty, smashmouth affair between two teams that are more old-school in their approach, preferring to run the ball and rely on tough defense, rather than the flashy passing attacks common in today’s NFL.

A Smashmouth Showdown

Both the Steelers and Chargers bring a physical style of play to the field, with an emphasis on controlling the game on the ground. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has already warned fans to expect a ‘smashmouth’ game. Both teams will likely lean heavily on their running games while trying to control the pace with their defensive schemes.

On the defensive side, the Chargers’ coordinator Jesse Minter, fresh from Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, has implemented an innovative defensive system. The team is running the most Cover 6 defense in the league, which uses different combinations of zone coverages to stifle opposing receivers. In their Week 1 victory, the Chargers successfully neutralized star wide receiver Davante Adams. George Pickens will likely be the Steelers’ top weapon on Sunday, but he’ll have his work cut out for him if the Chargers stick to their defensive script.

Stout Run Defense vs. Steelers Ground Game

The Chargers’ run defense has been impressive, despite playing with lighter defensive boxes due to their Cover 6 scheme. Yet, they’ve managed to stifle opponents on the ground, presenting a tough challenge for the Steelers’ running attack.

The Steelers will need to break the Chargers out of this defensive setup, potentially forcing them to add extra help in the box. If Pittsburgh can accomplish this, it may open up opportunities in the passing game for Pickens. The Chargers’ defensive front will test the Steelers’ offensive line with different looks and stunts, aiming to disrupt Justin Fields’ mobility and limit his scrambling opportunities.

Run-Heavy Offense, Explosive Plays

On the offensive side, the Chargers have built an offense reminiscent of AFC North football, focused heavily on the ground game. This offseason, the team telegraphed their intentions by signing JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards and bulking up their offensive line. Through two weeks, the Chargers are averaging an impressive 198 rushing yards per game. However, these totals are often bolstered by explosive plays, particularly from Dobbins, who leads the NFL in broken tackles per touch.

If the Steelers can contain these explosive runs, they’ll stand a good chance of keeping pace with the Chargers. While Los Angeles leads the league in rushing yards over expectation, they rank just 28th in overall rushing success rate, meaning their consistency on the ground is still suspect.

Pressure Points: Can the Steelers Capitalize?

Both teams have areas of weakness in pass protection that could be decisive. While the Chargers have yet to fully unleash Justin Herbert’s passing potential due to his high ankle sprain, the Steelers’ defensive front is primed to exploit any opportunities that arise.

Pittsburgh leads the league in pressure rate, even while typically rushing only four players. On the flip side, the Chargers’ offensive line has allowed the 27th-most pressures in the league so far. If the Steelers can slow down the run game and force the Chargers into passing situations, they could take advantage of this vulnerability.

However, it won’t be easy. On the other side, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa will test the Steelers’ tackle duo, which has allowed the sixth-most pressures in the league. Whichever team wins the battle in the trenches will likely control the outcome of this pivotal matchup.

Chargers Discuss Game Plan for Steelers’ Big Three: Fields, Watt, and Minkah

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As the Los Angeles Chargers gear up for their Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive Coordinator Jim Harbaugh spoke about the challenge of defending Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, as well as the formidable T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. With the Steelers off to a strong start this season, Harbaugh acknowledged the difficult task ahead.

“Fields is an outstanding quarterback,” said Harbaugh. “He’s not only great at throwing the ball, but he’s also dangerous when extending plays. It’s a great challenge we look forward to.” Fields has been crucial for the Steelers in the absence of Russell Wilson, providing steady leadership under center. While Fields hasn’t fully showcased his rushing ability yet, the Chargers are aware of his potential threat, particularly on third downs when he has the ability to break out of the pocket.

Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack echoed Harbaugh’s thoughts, noting the dual threat posed by Fields’ arm and mobility. “His mobility is a big challenge,” Mack said. “He can make big plays downfield at any moment. It’s on us to apply pressure and keep him contained.”

While Fields is a focal point, the Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, presents its own set of challenges for the Chargers. Harbaugh praised Watt for his relentless play and highlighted the depth and talent of the Steelers’ front seven, which has been a hallmark of Pittsburgh’s defense for years.

“T.J. Watt is as good as they come,” said Harbaugh. “He’s relentless and part of a defense that has been playing the same successful scheme since the early 1980s. We have to be prepared for that.”

Minkah Fitzpatrick, another key figure on the Steelers’ defense, also earned praise from Harbaugh. “Minkah is an outstanding player, and combined with their front seven, they make it tough on any offense.”

The Chargers, like the Steelers, enter Week 3 with a 2-0 record, setting the stage for a battle between two undefeated teams. With so much on the line, both teams are preparing to bring their best. As Chargers safety Darwin James pointed out, “We just have to play our brand of football and execute. It’s going to be a great test for us.”

The matchup between the Chargers and Steelers is shaping up to be a clash of strengths, with both teams eager to maintain their winning streaks.

Steelers: Fields Impresses Without Turnovers, Eyes Third Start for Steelers

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Fields Impresses Without Turnovers, Eyes Third Start for Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is making a strong case for another start after guiding the team to two back-to-back victories without turning the ball over. Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger believes that Fields deserves a third straight start, citing his careful decision-making and ability to protect the football as key reasons.

Fields Avoiding Turnovers Under New Coordinator

Fields has excelled under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who has implemented a simplified passing scheme that reduces the margin for error. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Fields is now averaging 6.1 air yards per attempt, a noticeable drop from his career average of 8.4. The result has been a career-high completion percentage of 69.8%, and perhaps more significantly, Fields has yet to throw an interception or lose a fumble this season.

For a quarterback who ranked among the league’s worst in turnovers over the past two seasons—committing 41 turnovers from 2021 to 2023—this new approach is paying off. Fields also took the second-most sacks during that period but has only been sacked four times in his two starts this year.

Smith’s “Game Manager” Approach to Fields

While Fields has not been lighting up the scoreboard, he has embraced the role of a game manager. In his first two games this season, Fields ranks 23rd in the league with a 41.8 adjusted QBR and 28th in passing yards with just 273 on the season. He’s tossed only one touchdown pass but has been efficient with 84 rushing yards on 22 carries, adding a versatile element to Pittsburgh’s offense.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano noted that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin may still lean toward veteran Russell Wilson, who is recovering from a calf injury, as the team’s long-term starter. However, Fields’ turnover-free performances are giving the coaching staff something to think about, especially with Wilson not expected to be 100% for Pittsburgh’s next game against the 2-0 Los Angeles Chargers.

Steelers’ QB Dilemma: Fields or Wilson?

Heading into the Week 3 matchup against the Chargers, the Steelers are favored by two points. Tomlin faces a crucial decision: stick with Fields, who has protected the football and delivered back-to-back wins, or roll the dice on a banged-up Wilson, a proven but injured veteran.

As Fields eyes his third straight start, the Steelers are watching closely to see whether his improved efficiency and mistake-free play can keep them in the playoff race.