Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk suffered a right ankle injury on the opening drive of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. He is questionable to return.
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. Defensive end Esezi Otomewo was also a healthy scratch.
Rookie Yahya Black will have to step up if Loudermilk can’t return.
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 Starting Defensive Lineman Suffers Injury vs. Seahawks
