Here’s a harsh reality for Steelers fans: just as Pittsburgh secures a crucial AFC North victory, their defense takes a devastating hit. On Sunday, the Steelers emerged victorious against the Cleveland Browns with a 23-9 win, but the celebration was short-lived. Head coach Mike Tomlin revealed post-game that the secondary suffered multiple injuries, with safety Miles Killebrew’s ‘significant knee injury’ stealing the spotlight. But here’s where it gets even more concerning: Killebrew, a veteran safety and special teams captain, injured his right knee while covering a kickoff—a play that could sideline him for the rest of the season. While Tomlin promised updates soon, the initial outlook suggests a stint on injured reserve is likely. And this is the part most people miss: Killebrew wasn’t the only defensive back to go down. Cornerback Darius Slay battled a shoulder injury, while Joey Porter Jr. and Jabrill Peppers both dealt with potential head/neck issues. Even James Pierre had his shoulder checked, though he returned to the game. Is this the beginning of a defensive crisis for the Steelers?
Controversially, some fans are already questioning whether the team’s depth can withstand this onslaught of injuries, especially with a quick turnaround for Thursday night’s game against the Bengals. Speaking of which, Pittsburgh’s injury report will be released earlier than usual, though an estimated report might surface if no formal practice is held Monday. The only silver lining? T.J. Watt, who briefly had his leg examined during the broadcast, finished the game strong, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey—initially questionable—delivered a standout performance with two of the defense’s six sacks. But here’s the burning question: Can the Steelers’ defense hold up without Killebrew and potentially others? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Pittsburgh’s depth can weather this storm, or is trouble brewing for their secondary?
