Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk on injured reserve, the team announced on Wednesday. Loudermilk suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
In a corresponding move, the Steelers have signed defensive end/outside linebacker DeMarvin Leal from the practice squad to the active roster.
Loudermilk was already ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Loudermilk’s high ankle sprain is a multiple weeks injury. Loudermilk will be out for at least the next four games due to being on IR.
Loudermilk suffered a right ankle injury on the opening drive of Sunday’s 31-17 loss against the Seattle Seahawks and he was shortly after ruled out for the rest of the game. He was then seen on crutches and in a boot following the game and is now expected to be sidelined through at least the team’s Week 5 bye.
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 in Loudermilk’s absence. Logan Lee, Daniel Ekuale and Leal will provide depth.
Entering Sunday, Loudermilk had totaled 63 career combined tackles, six passes defended and a sack. At Wisconsin, he played in 40 games, starting 26 at defensive end for the Badgers. During his four seasons in Madison, he posted 63 stops, 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also forced a pair of fumbles.
Despite playing 31 snaps in the season opener against the New York Jets, Loudermilk recorded no stats.
Loudermilk played in 16 games for the Steelers for the second straight season in 2024. He appeared in a career-high 378 snaps, 222 on defense and 156 on special teams, as he was a key part of Danny Smith’s kickoff coverage units.
Loudermilk finished the season with 17 tackles and one pass breakup.
The Steelers drafted Loudermilk with the 156th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The team traded up to select Loudermilk and gave away a 2022 fourth-round selection to do so.
Loudermilk is the second player from the team’s 2021 draft class to sign a second contract with the team, joining tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Place Defensive Lineman on IR
