The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered more setbacks during their 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, as outside linebackers Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal both left the game in the second half due to injuries. Herbig sustained a hamstring injury, while Leal is dealing with a neck issue, and neither returned to action. These injuries left the Steelers with just T.J. Watt and Jeremiah Moon as their healthy outside linebackers.
Though they have Eku Leota and Ade Ogundeji available on the practice squad, they may need to promote a player or look to sign someone from outside the organization. Additionally, Alex Highsmith, another starting outside linebacker, is expected to miss at least one more game with a groin injury.
Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi, who was questionable entering the game due to a groin injury, also exited and was seen on the sidelines for most of the second half. In his absence, the Steelers leaned on Keeanu Benton and Montravius Adams to fill the void on the defensive line.
Offensively, the Steelers struggled once again, managing just 17 points and 222 total yards against a depleted Cowboys defense. Quarterback Justin Fields had a tough outing, throwing for just 158 yards and contributing 27 rushing yards. Pittsburgh’s running game continued to falter, averaging only 3.5 yards per carry and failing to surpass 100 total rushing yards, despite facing one of the NFL’s weakest run defenses.
When asked about the offense’s identity, Fields expressed uncertainty. “I think we have an identity. I just don’t know what it is,” Fields said.
While the Steelers want their offense to be centered around play-action passing, they’ve yet to see success in that area. Without explosive plays from play-action, it will be difficult for Pittsburgh to improve their early-down efficiency, which remains near the bottom of the league.
