The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a significant setback as nose tackle Breiden Fehoko has been placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season due to a serious shoulder injury.
This development comes from the NFL transaction wire and highlights the growing list of challenges for the Steelers’ defensive line. Fehoko sustained the injury on Tuesday, which has proven severe enough for the team to utilize his roster spot at the crucial nose tackle position.
Adding to the team’s woes, Keeanu Benton, another key defensive lineman, suffered an eye injury during Friday’s game against the Houston Texans. With Benton’s injury and Fehoko’s season-ending status, the Steelers are in urgent need of reinforcements. Currently, Montravius Adams and Logan Lee are the only players who have substantial experience at the nose tackle spot, making their roles even more pivotal as the team navigates through this injury crisis.
The Steelers’ decision to place Fehoko on injured reserve before the cut-down date means he is officially out for the rest of the season. However, there are potential avenues for Fehoko’s return to the team. The Steelers have the option to offer him an injury settlement, which could lead to him being waived from injured reserve. If this route is taken, Fehoko could be re-signed after the settlement period plus an additional three weeks, although he would also be free to sign with any other team if the Steelers choose not to bring him back. Nevertheless, Fehoko cannot be activated from injured reserve later this season under the current terms.
In response to these injuries, the Steelers have signed Marquiss Spencer to bolster their defensive line. Spencer’s addition is aimed at providing much-needed depth, especially given the ongoing issues at both outside linebacker and nose tackle. The team’s management continues to adjust the roster dynamically following their first preseason game, trying to address the gaps left by these key injuries.
Overall, the Steelers are facing a challenging period with crucial players sidelined, and their ability to adapt and effectively manage their roster will be critical as they prepare for the upcoming season.
