Friday night’s game did not unfold as the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin had hoped. The team succumbed to a 20-12 preseason loss to the Houston Texans, a defeat underscored by glaring flaws on both sides of the ball.
This preseason clash not only highlights the areas requiring urgent improvement but also raises concerns about the team’s readiness as the regular season approaches. The Steelers' performance was marred by a series of miscues that compromised both their offensive and defensive efforts. One of the night's most significant setbacks came in the form of an injury to first-round pick, offensive tackle Troy Fautanu.
Key Injury
The young tackle, who has been a promising component of Pittsburgh’s offensive line revamp, sustained a knee injury during the game. While the injury is not severe, it is expected to sideline Fautanu for two weeks. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed, "Fautanu's injury wasn't serious, and he is only expected to be sidelined for two weeks". This brief absence, however, could affect the planned lineup and strategy for the Steelers' remaining preseason games.
Lineup Adjustments
With Fautanu out, the Steelers will need to modify their offensive line configuration. The coaches had been eyeing a shift that would position Broderick Jones at left tackle. In Fautanu’s absence, Dan Moore Jr. is expected to step back into the starting lineup. Moore, a seasoned player, has started for the Steelers throughout his first three seasons and brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Fautanu's encounter with veteran pass-rusher Danielle Hunter during the game was a tough test for the rookie. Hunter managed to bypass Fautanu, resulting in a punishing sack on quarterback Justin Fields—a moment that punctuated the rookie's challenging night.
Injury Challenges Continue
Adding to Pittsburgh's injury woes, wide receiver Roman Wilson continues to rehab an ankle injury sustained late last month. Wilson is working diligently to return to full health and contribute to the team’s offensive efforts. His recovery is being closely monitored, with the hope that he can soon rejoin the lineup.
Maintaining Optimism
Despite these setbacks, optimism remains within the Steelers’ camp. The depth of their roster provides some cushion as the team navigates through these adversities. Coach Tomlin and his staff have considerable work ahead to address the mistakes and refine their game plan before the regular season's onset.
Every game, snap, and coaching decision will carry increased significance in the coming weeks. Seasoned players like Dan Moore Jr. are stepping up to ensure the team remains competitive. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh fans will be keeping a close eye on player recoveries and the team's ability to mitigate errors in upcoming games.
The Steelers are known for their resilience and fierce pursuit of success. While the preseason offers a glimpse into areas requiring attention, the team’s capacity to adapt and overcome will be crucial as they aim for a prosperous season.