Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — The injuries continue to stack up for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, as linebacker Patrick Queen suffered a rib injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Queen was evaluated in the blue medical tent and was listed as questionable before returning.
The Steelers are without defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, cornerback Joey Porter Jr., strong safety DeShon Elliott, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk.
Linebacker Payton Wilson also vomited and was evaluated in the blue medical tent. Like Queen, Wilson returned.
Highsmith is unlikely to return to the Steelers’ Sunday afternoon home matchup with the Seahawks. The sixth-year edge rusher tweaked his ankle during the Steelers’ Friday practice, but suited up for the matchup against Sam Darnold’s offense.
Highsmith was termed as doubtful to re-enter the matchup while dealing with the same injury.
Highsmith missed all of the preseason with a groin injury suffered during a 1-on-1 drill during training camp. He healed up from that ailment quickly enough to get back on the field for the Steelers’ season opener against the New York Jets. In that one, Highsmith had the Steelers’ only sack against former teammate Justin Fields, who rushed for 48 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.
Loudermilk suffered a right ankle injury on the opening drive of Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. He has been ruled out for the rest of the game.
Loudermilk went into the blue medical tent on the Pittsburgh sideline before leaving on a cart.
The Seahawks went 65 yards in eight plays on their opening drive. Seattle converted third downs of six and 10 yards. The TD was Tory Horton’s first career reception.
The Steelers are already thin on the defensive line, as rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is recovering from a knee injury suffered in the preseason finale.
Rookie Yahya Black will have to step up if Loudermilk can’t return. Logan Lee and Daniel Ekuale will also see playing time.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers LB Patrick Queen Leaves Game with Injury
