Steelers Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Week 4 Colts Matchup

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.

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

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.