Steelers Now
BALTIMORE — Just two plays into Sunday’s matchup with Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive front already took a blow. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton was injured after Henry’s first carry.
Benton stayed down for a moment to be checked by trainers, then gingerly walked off to the sideline and the blue medical tent with what appeared to be a left leg injury. Esezi Otomewo replaced Benton shortly thereafter, and rookie Yahya Black moved over to nose tackle.
Benton exited the tent with his helmet and returned to the game after Zay Flowers’ long reception from Jackson. A third-year pro, he started each of the Steelers’ 13 games to this point. Along with 4.5 sacks, he has 34 tackles on the season, five of which being for a loss.
The Steelers are already without rookie first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon, who’s dealing with a knee injury and missing his second straight game. Without Harmon last week against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers’ defense allowed nearly 250 yards, the highest output it had permitted at home in over 50 years.
Henry, one of the game’s most revered rushers, entered Sunday with 931 yards and 10 touchdowns on 197 carries. The Steelers will have to find a way to limit him if they want to beat John Harbaugh’s team on the road.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Lose Yet Another Defensive Lineman to Injury vs. Ravens
