Tag: Steelers

Sep 26, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, US; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls out the defense prior to the snap of the ball at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Julian Guadalupe-NorthJersey.com

Dak Prescott, injury-riddled Cowboys take aim at Steelers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Dak Prescott was midway through his 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign the last time Dallas played in Pittsburgh.

A once-classic rivalry that includes three Super Bowl showdowns renews in prime time in Week 5 as the Cowboys (2-2) visit the Steelers (3-1) on “Sunday Night Football.”

Prescott’s 35-30 victory eight years ago, which was part of an 11-game Dallas winning streak, is the only time he has faced Pittsburgh until now.

Prescott returns to the Steel City at age 31 as the NFL’s highest-paid player, directing an offense with the league’s worst rushing attack (75.3 yards per game) and no serious receiving threats beyond All-Pro CeeDee Lamb.

“I got a lot of respect for Dak Prescott,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said this week. “He’s got a steady demeanor, man. He utilizes his quarterback mobility in a very prudent way. He extends plays, he’ll run if given the opportunity. He’s got a real rapport obviously. … His work with CeeDee Lamb is real impressive.”

The Cowboys have had a few extra days of rest since leveling their record with a 20-15 Thursday night road win over the New York Giants in Week 4. Prescott posted his highest passer rating of the season (125.5) and threw touchdown passes to Lamb and running back Rico Dowdle.

Tomlin also had positive things to say about his own quarterback, Justin Fields, who remains the starter as Russell Wilson recovers from a calf injury.

The Steelers are coming off their first loss of the season, falling 27-24 at Indianapolis last weekend despite Fields throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 55 yards and two scores. Pittsburgh had a chance to drive for a tying field goal late but came up short.

“I didn’t feel any blinking,” Tomlin said of Fields’ effort. “Justin, we’ve talked about his steady demeanor in recent weeks in terms of the things that I’ve grown to know and understand about him. I think it’s really on display in moments like that.”

Fields won’t have to worry about Dallas pass-rushers Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (injured reserve) on Sunday.

“It’s definitely the unfortunate part of our game,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said of the injuries to two of his top defenders. “It takes a lot of players to win in this league, week in and week out. It creates a great opportunity for others. That’s really our approach.

“At the end of the day, it’s our job as coaches to make sure we got a heck of a game plan for our players to go to Pittsburgh and get the win.”

Fields has faced the Cowboys once before while with the Chicago Bears, completing 17 of 23 passes for 151 yards, two TDs and no picks in a 49-29 road loss on Oct. 30, 2022. He rushed eight times for 60 yards and a score and posted the third-highest passer rating (120.0) of his career to date.

Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and could make his season debut Sunday. Running back Jaylen Warren (knee) and linebackers Nick Herbig (ankle) and Alex Highsmith (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday.

Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks has been ruled out after developing an infection following a procedure on his right knee. Cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday’s session.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Steelers QB Russell Wilson ramps up participation

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Ailing quarterback Russell Wilson intends to increase his participation in practice and put behind him the calf injury keeping him out of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lineup.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin remains steadfast in his approach to involving Wilson in Pittsburgh’s plans. He first wants Wilson to prove he’s healthy.

Tomlin said Tuesday that Wilson would “pick up” practice participation after being inactive for the first four games of the season. He strained his calf in training camp, giving former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields more time than expected with the starting offense.

Wilson was named the starter following the final preseason game in August, but was limited in practice before the Week 1 opener at Atlanta. His status did not change in September, when Fields led the Steelers to a 3-1 start.

Fields again is preparing to start for the Steelers against the Dallas Cowboys (2-2) on Sunday. Until Wilson gets on the field and completes practice as a full participant, Tomlin won’t be addressing whether Fields could possibly keep the job when both quarterbacks are healthy.

“There’s a potential for that, but we’re not there as we stand here today,” Tomlin said Tuesday.

Tomlin said Tuesday the Steelers are optimistic guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and linebacker Nick Herbig (ankle) will be ready when the Cowboys visit Sunday night. He’s not as certain about running back Jaylen Warren and said linebacker Alex Highsmith is out for the second game in a row with a groin injury.

Seumalo’s return would be timely following the likely season-ending Achilles injury to James Daniels at Indianapolis. Daniels was ruled out by Tomlin, but the Steelers have not yet placed the veteran guard on injured reserve.

Three of the Steelers’ next four games are in primetime.

Pittsburgh lost for the first time this season at Indianapolis last week. Fields had 312 yards passing and ran for 55 yards with two TDs, leading the offense to touchdowns on three consecutive drives after a costly fumble trying to evade a sack nearly 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Tomlin gave his first harsh assessment of Fields on Sunday night after the loss to the Colts.

“Appreciate his fight, but he and we were a little bit sloppy at times. Too sloppy to secure victory,” Tomlin said.

Wilson last started a game on Christmas Eve before the Denver Broncos benched him for the final two regular-season games in a contract dispute that led to the former Super Bowl winner being released. He signed with the Steelers in March after also visiting the New York Giants.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels (78) wears a guardian cap in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Report: Steelers G James Daniels (Achilles) out for season

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Pittsburgh Steelers starting right guard James Daniels has sustained a torn Achilles and will be out for the remainder of the season, ESPN reported on Monday.

Daniels suffered the injury in the first quarter of the Steelers’ 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He was seen in a walking boot and using crutches after the game.

Daniels, 27, has started all four games this season and 36 during parts of three seasons with Pittsburgh.

He has started 84 of the 90 games in which he has played with the Chicago Bears (2018-21) and Steelers.

Fourth-round draft pick Mason McCormick or second-year Spencer Anderson are contenders to start in place of Daniels for Pittsburgh (3-1) in Sunday night’s game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys (2-2).

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) recovers a ball fumbled by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Colts get solid relief play from Joe Flacco to hold off Steelers

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With an early injury to Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco entered the game and led the host Indianapolis Colts over the surging Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 Sunday.

After passing for 71 yards and rushing for 24 yards, Richardson left the game for Indianapolis (2-2) after a 14-yard run where DeShon Elliott hit the quarterback and dislodged the ball. The Colts recovered the loose ball, but the quarterback left the game for two plays to recover from the hit.

When Richardson returned, he attempted a designed rush to his left but went to the ground holding his right hip in pain. Richardson left the game for treatment but was later ruled out by the Colts.

In Richardson’s place, Flacco threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Flacco had patience in the pocket and completed 16 of 26 passes, including the Colts’ final touchdown drive where the veteran Super Bowl champion had three completions on third-and-long situations and eventually found Andrew Ogletree to give the Colts a 24-10 lead with 14:43 left.

The Colts had built a 17-0 lead on a 2-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Taylor, a 4-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to Josh Downs and a 33-yard Matt Gay field goal.

The Steelers got on the board with a 50-yard field goal from Chris Boswell to close the first half down 17-3.

Pittsburgh (3-1) battled back, scoring on three consecutive drives and cutting the deficit to three points on an 8-yard touchdown from Justin Fields to Pat Freiermuth with 3:40 to play.

After the Steelers got the ball back, an errant snap went off the facemask of Fields and although the Steelers recovered, Fields had two incomplete passes on the final three plays to give the Colts the ball back with 29 seconds remaining.

Taylor rushed for 88 yards for the Colts and added a touchdown behind an offensive line that didn’t include starting center Ryan Kelly, who missed the game as a late scratch due to a neck injury. 2024 fourth-round draft pick Tanor Bortolini started in his place.

Fields struggled early for Pittsburgh, but recovered to throw for 312 yards with a touchdown pass and added two touchdowns on the ground (both during the second-half comeback attempt) with 55 yards rushing. What hurt the first-year Steelers quarterback was the play of the offensive line. Fields was sacked four times, resulting in 30 lost yards.

The Fields performance was needed for a Steelers backfield who lost Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) to injury in the defeat.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) hands the ball off to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Steelers throw No. 1 defense at Colts, young playmakers

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When the Pittsburgh Steelers and host Indianapolis Colts meet Sunday, it’ll be a matchup of a young offense relying on an explosive rusher against the league’s top-ranked defense.

Critical to the Colts’ success is the 1-2 punch of sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor. Indianapolis’ 21-16 win over the Chicago Bears last week was led by Taylor, who ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson threw for 167 yards with two interceptions.

“Our offensive line sets the tone for those guys up front,” said Colts head coach Shane Steichen. “JT’s running really good and he’s seeing it well, he’s being patient, he’s hitting the holes.”

The 2021 NFL rushing champion is seventh in the league this season with 261 yards. Behind him on the Colts is Richardson with 117 rushing yards.

“We’ve got a big challenge in Jonathan Taylor, and I think that challenge is intensified because of Richardson’s mobility and their willingness to use schematics regarding Richardson’s mobility,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “It is a big run game emphasis for us.”

If any team is up for the challenge of the Taylor and Richardson duo, it’s Pittsburgh (3-0), which is off to its best start since 2020 and rated the No. 1 defensive team in the NFL (229.0 yards per game).

The Steelers allow 71.3 rushing yards per game and travel to Indianapolis with three straight games holding opponents to 10 points or less. That’s without edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who has been limited by a groin injury. In his absence, Nick Herbig had a career day in the 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week with two sacks, three tackles and a forced fumble.

Spearheading the defense is six-time Pro Bowler T.J. Watt, leading the Steelers with three sacks plus 10 tackles.

“We got to know where he’s going to line up and how he’s likely to align within their scheme, what his role is likely to be defensively each play and how we can go best attack the defense,” said Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “How can we best attack the defense while also having an awareness to this great player out there and trying to limit his impact.”

Indianapolis’ defense was dealt a blow Sunday, losing two starters in the fourth quarter. Both cornerback Kenny Moore II (hip) and defensive end Kwity Paye (quadriceps) didn’t practice Wednesday, but Steichen hasn’t ruled them out for Sunday. Cornerback Chris Lammons (knee/ankle) and offensive tackle Braden Smith (knee) also missed practice.

Offensively for Pittsburgh, quarterback Justin Fields will start again in place of Russell Wilson. A calf injury continues to plague the former Super Bowl champion, leaving Tomlin uninterested in talking about any kind of quarterback competition until Wilson is able to return. He was limited in practice Wednesday.

Tomlin has had Fields under center for every game, with the former Chicago Bears quarterback averaging 172.7 passing yards and 30 rushing yards per game. Each is below career highs after three years in Chicago, but what isn’t hampering Fields in Pittsburgh are turnovers. Fields has only one interception, but none in the past two victories.

“I like his steady demeanor,” said Tomlin. “I like that in a leader. He doesn’t ride the emotional roller coaster when things are going bad. Guys can rally around that, he’s steady, he’s a competitor.”

Najee Harris received rest on Wednesday due to an arm injury sustained against the Chargers, but Tomlin isn’t concerned about his return, adding he’s expected to be available for Sunday’s trip to the Colts. Running back Jaylen Warren is expected to miss the game with a knee injury. He did not practice Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass while under pressure from Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Coach: ‘No need’ to name Justin Fields Steelers’ long-term starter yet

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of five 3-0 teams in the NFL, but their quarterback situation remains up for discussion.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated the team will “have a decision to make” when Russell Wilson recovers from a calf injury and becomes available for the first-string job again.

Justin Fields has helped Pittsburgh start undefeated, but close wins over the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers weren’t enough for him to get a long-term vote of confidence from Tomlin.

Asked Tuesday why he has yet to name Fields the team’s permanent starter, Tomlin replied, “Because there’s no need.” He said Fields will enter the building Wednesday with the mindset that he’s the starter — for Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts (1-2), anyway.

“Sometimes in this business, man, there’s a myriad of complex decisions that need to be made,” Tomlin said. “I’ve learned to make ‘em when it’s appropriate and it’s not necessary as we sit here right now. When Russ gets to an appropriate point of health and we have a decision to make, I’ll make it and I’ll announce it and I’ll be really transparent about it, but until then, I don’t care how many ways you guys ask me, I got no intentions of making the decision that’s unnecessary at this juncture.”

Fields has completed 73.3 percent of his passes this year for 518 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. He’s been sacked six times but also has rushed for 90 yards and a score.

Both Fields and Wilson were acquired by Pittsburgh in the offseason, the former in a trade with the Chicago Bears and the latter as a free agent on a one-year contract.

–Field Level Media

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass while under pressure from Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers dominate second half, down short-handed Chargers

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Justin Fields threw a 55-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III to highlight a dominant second-half performance that lifted the host Pittsburgh Steelers to a 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon.

The Fields-Austin connection closed the scoring with 7:02 left in the game and added insult to injury for Los Angeles (2-1), which lost quarterback Justin Herbert to an apparent ankle issue and star linebacker Joey Bosa to an ailing hip.

Fields finished with 245 yards, the touchdown and an interception on 25-for-32 passing. He also rushed for a score.

Austin had four catches for 95 yards. Najee Harris rushed 18 times for 70 yards.

Herbert completed 12 of 18 passes for 125 yards and a TD before hobbling off the field with just under seven minutes left in the third quarter. J.K. Dobbins rushed for 44 yards on 15 carries for the Chargers, who totaled minus-5 yards while being shut out following halftime.

Pittsburgh (3-0) got the ball to open the second half and drove to Chris Boswell’s 38-yard field goal that tied the game at 10.

It wasn’t long before the Steelers had possession again, forcing a three-and-out to set up shop at the Los Angeles 41 following a punt. However, that field position went to waste when Fields had his pass tipped up in the air and picked off by Bud Dupree.

Boswell later put Pittsburgh ahead 13-10 with a 30-yarder with 14:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Neither team had a first down until Herbert found Ladd McConkey for a 13-yard gain with 4:56 left in the first quarter.

That got Los Angeles’ offense in motion, and the Chargers cashed in four plays later when Herbert hit Quentin Johnston near the left sideline for a 27-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Pittsburgh answered with a 13-play, 70-yard march that ended with Fields’ 5-yard scamper to the end zone.

Cameron Dicker made good on a 28-yard field goal to put Los Angeles up 10-7 with 3:13 left in the second quarter.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) active vs. Steelers

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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is active for Sunday’s game against the host Pittsburgh Steelers despite nursing a high-ankle sprain.

Multiple media outlets reported Herbert is expected to start the game after he was seen jogging without a limp during pregame activities.

Herbert, who officially was listed as questionable, said Friday that he was unsure if he would play for the Chargers (2-0) on Sunday. Fellow quarterbacks Easton Stick and Taylor Heinicke also are active for Sunday’s game.

Herbert, 26, did not miss a snap after having his legs trapped under Carolina Panthers linebacker DJ Johnson during Los Angeles’ 26-3 victory at Carolina last weekend.

The Pro Bowl quarterback has completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 274 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in two games this season.

While Herbert is active, the Chargers listed the following players as inactive: wide receiver Joshua Palmer, linebacker Junior Colson, cornerback Tarheeb Still, running back Kimani Vidal, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden and defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe.

The Steelers (2-0) listed quarterback Russell Wilson inactive for the third straight game. They also ruled the following players as inactive for Sunday’s contest: guard Isaac Seumalo, tight end Mycole Pruitt, wide receiver Roman Wilson, cornerback Darius Rush and safety Terrell Edmunds.

–Field Level Media

Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) blocks Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers RT Troy Fautanu (knee) out Sunday, likely longer

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Pittsburgh Steelers starting right tackle Troy Fautanu will miss Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the team said.

He suffered a knee injury during Friday’s practice and will be out indefinitely, ESPN reported Saturday.

The rookie was still being evaluated as of Saturday morning.

The Steelers selected Fautanu, 23, with the 20th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has played in just one NFL game, the Steelers’ 13-6 win over the Denver Broncos last Sunday.

He sustained a left-knee injury on Aug. 9 in his team’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) as linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) looks on in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Top scoring defenses clash as Chargers oppose Steelers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Points will likely come at a premium when the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the visiting Los Angeles Chargers to town on Sunday afternoon.

Opponents have yet to figure out how to break through against either team, with Los Angeles (2-0) allowing the fewest points per game in the NFL (6.5) through the first two weeks of the season. Pittsburgh ranks second in that category, yielding an average of 8.0 points.

“Outstanding,” Los Angeles coach Jim Harbaugh said of the Steelers’ defense. “One of the best front sevens in football, and elite in the coverage area as well.”

Cutting through Pittsburgh’s secondary could be that much tougher for the Chargers if quarterback Justin Herbert isn’t able to play. Herbert is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Wednesday.

Harbaugh expects Herbert to be good to go come Sunday, but if the 26-year-old can’t suit up, Easton Stick would start under center.

And Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is keeping a close eye on Los Angeles’ injury report.

“I don’t speculate and read stuff on Tuesday, it’s a waste of time,” Tomlin said. “Participation, or lack thereof, is what gets my attention.”

Tomlin is more focused on his own quarterback room. Justin Fields was the Steelers’ field general for Weeks 1 and 2, and Pittsburgh (2-0) is preparing to start him once again on Sunday as Russell Wilson continues to work through a calf issue.

Wilson was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.

Fields most recently completed 13 of 20 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers’ 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos last Sunday.

“He loves to compete,” Tomlin said of Fields. “He’s got a quiet confidence about him. He doesn’t change in environments. There’s a clarity in his communication, in his response to communication, that’s really comfortable.”

If Tomlin’s words ring true, Fields should be able to stay composed in front of a raucous crowd that is expected to be on hand for Pittsburgh’s home opener.

The Chargers fared well in a hostile environment last Sunday, crushing the Carolina Panthers 26-3 in Charlotte. J.K. Dobbins rushed for 131 yards and a score on 17 carries, while Herbert went for 130 yards, two TDs and a pick on 14-of-20 passing.

A lot of the success in the running game can be attributed to Los Angeles offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who frequently went up against the Steelers during his two stints on the Baltimore Ravens’ coaching staff (2006-07 and 2017-22).

“Greg Roman’s gone against the Steelers, Steelers have gone against Greg Roman,” Harbaugh said. “There’s experience on both sides.”

Roman’s offense could be without wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf) for the meeting with Pittsburgh, as Palmer didn’t practice on Wednesday. Linebackers Junior Colson (hamstring) and Bud Dupree (illness), a former Steeler, were also among those held out.

Three Chargers were limited with injury designations during Wednesday’s session, a group that included star linebacker Joey Bosa (hip).

Pittsburgh guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) didn’t practice on Wednesday. Receiver Roman Wilson was a limited participant due to an ankle injury.

–Field Level Media