Offensive line depth is disappearing – Steelers.com

He was on our practice team last year,” stated Tomlin. “Hes an extremely capable backup, a guy were comfy with in terms of understanding what to do and having an understanding of his skill-set.

” I dont have a lot of new info, but I think its safe to identify Zach Banner as out for this week,” said Tomlin.” It can be a cold video game, but its a lot like life,” said Tomlin about his psychological reaction to Banners predicament. When asked about DeCastros status, Tomlin said, “I dont know.” Dotson is a young guy who hasnt had a lot of work throughout this process due to the fact that of injury and a lack of schedule, and so theres some angst there,” said Tomlin.” Were making some relocations on the offending line, and so I wont hypothesize on what our depth or the pecking order will be till we deal with that necessary business,” stated Tomlin.

It can be deemed the expert football variation of a hangover. What was so pleasurable and enjoyable and quasi-euphoric the previous day rapidly can develop into a blinding headache the next. Therefore it was for the Steelers, because while there was much to appreciate and take pleasure in from their season-opening win versus the Giants on Monday night, their reality on Tuesday morning was that they might have lost much of their depth along the offensive line in addition to their starting running back.

Throughout his weekly press conference at twelve noon today, Coach Mike Tomlin said he didnt have a lot of brand-new info concerning the status of starting ideal take on Zach Banner (knee), Stefan Wisniewski (pectoral) who was filling in for beginning right guard David DeCastro (calf), and starting running back James Conner (ankle). But he did detail some potential avenues the Steelers might explore with a video game against the Denver Broncos set for 1 p.m. on Sunday at Heinz Field.

” It can be a cold game, however its a lot like life,” stated Tomlin about his psychological reaction to Banners predicament. “Were not specified by what takes place to us, were defined by how we react to it. Hes a rival, hes an expert, and I expect him to smile in the face of misfortune.”

” Were making some carry on the offensive line, and so I will not hypothesize on what our depth or the chain of command will be up until we deal with that essential business,” said Tomlin. “But I do like the play of Matt at guard, I did like his play (versus the Giants). I know he is tackle-capable, and Im sure that will be an aspect of the conversation at the proper time.”

Of the 3 hurt gamers referenced by Tomlin, Conner was the first to be dislodged of the game. After acquiring 9 backyards on six carries and catching 2 passes for 8 backyards, Conner was changed by Snell, who brought 19 times for 113 backyards (5.9 average). And of the 3 players, Banner appeared to sustain the most severe injury judging from the response of his teammates and his own response once he got to the bench on the sideline.

Before Tomlin even was ended up with his press conference, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported the Steelers signed Jerald Hawkins off the Houston Texans practice team. Hawkins, 6-foot-6, 305 pounds, is a tackle who was picked by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. During his time in Pittsburgh, Hawkins ended up on hurt reserve 2 different times, and since going into the NFL he has actually appeared in only six games with one start.

” Weve talked a fair bit about Chuks along with Zach Banner and the fight they had for right take on, and as Ive said repeatedly I thought both guys were starter-capable, and I still feel that method,” said Tomlin. “So Im extremely comfortable with Chuks and his ability to play, and his total preparedness.”

Best guard is less certain. When asked about DeCastros status, Tomlin stated, “I do not understand. Im hopeful that hes able to work (Wednesday). Well see.” If DeCastro is incapable of practicing/playing today, and if Wisniewskis pectoral injury removes him for a week or longer, the next man up as presently indicated by the depth chart would be novice Kevin Dotson.

” Dotson is a young guy who hasnt had a lot of work throughout this process due to the fact that of injury and a lack of availability, and so theres some angst there,” stated Tomlin. “If hes called upon today, its going to take a remarkable effort by him and by us, and by us I imply us putting him in the extremely finest position to perform. Theres some double duty there.”

Banner had made the starting right deal with job this summertime in what Tomlin referred to as a close competition with Chuks Okorafor, and so the strategy of succession at that position appears self-evident.

In the mix as one of the eight offending linemen on the groups initial 53-man roster is J.C. Hassenauer, a first-year pro from Alabama who signed with the team as a totally free representative in 2019.

” I dont have a lot of new information, but I think its safe to characterize Zach Banner as out for today,” stated Tomlin. “Were still in the process of getting scans on Stefan Wisniewski and James Conner, however I believe their forecast is a more favorable one, so well leave the light on for those two. Well make some necessary changes and close ranks on a brief week and see where that leaves us in regards to department of labor. We acknowledge that injuries are a part of the video game, and while regrettable for those males it could indicate chance for other deserving and capable guys, simply like it was on Monday night for Benny Snell, and he put that on display.”

What does not seem to be a choice at this point is moving beginning left guard Matt Feiler back to take on.