Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says his team has a lot to fix if they’re going to be competitive in the AFC North, and they’d better start now.
The first noticeable change will be in what they’re wearing today at practice…Tomlin will have the team in pads and there will be hitting. He said the team’s didn’t play hard enough in Sunday’s loss to Houston, and in his mind, physicality is “non-negotiable”. It’s “Pittsburgh Steelers football.” Tomlin said he even said to himself during Sunday’s game that the Steelers would be practicing in pads today.
One of the players taking the field today will be Kenny Pickett, the quarterback who played poorly before exiting the game with a knee injury in the third quarter.
It’s a bone bruise, according to the coach, who said Pickett’s mobility and, importantly, how well he practices will determine his game status.
Tomlin says his offense, defense, and special teams all fell short on Sunday, but it all starts with their willingness to play hard.
The Baltimore Ravens come to Pittsburgh on Sunday and Tomlin says the Steelers had better be ready for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In addition to Pickett, the Steelers had other injuries on Sunday. Starting tackle Dan Moore Jr. will miss this week with a knee injury and be replaced by first round draft pick Broderick Jones. Tight end Pat Freiermuth will be out on Sunday with a tight hamstring. Defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal is in concussion protocol and his status is uncertain.
Former Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims was signed to the Steelers’ practice squad yesterday. He was New York’s second round draft pick in 2020. Also added to the practice squad was offensive lineman Obinna Eze, a rookie who was waived by the Lions in training camp.
