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Steelers suffer pair of injuries to pivotal players in Steelers preseason loss
Both Benton and Fautanu had minor injuries against the Texans but they both should return quickly
The Steelers played their first game of the preseason. While we saw many good things, we also saw a few things that bordered on sloppy gameplay. Considering that many starters didn’t play, the Texans had a one-game advantage; having played in the Hall of Fame game, it’s not surprising they lost.
The highlights were a few good plays by Justin Fields, despite his two fumbles on the bad snaps from the center. Calvin Austin stepped up in a big way, indicating he may be ready for his third-year leap, which he might have had last year despite missing his first year with a foot injury.
The star of last night’s game might have been Payton Wilson. Whereas most players only play part of the game, Wilson played until early in the 4th quarter. Mike Tomlin saw many good things from him.
Despite the positives, there were still a few injuries that may give fans pause for concern. Although neither seems too serious from initial reports, that could change as we head into their second preseason game. So, let’s look at the two injuries from last night’s contest.
Steelers injury report following the Steelers game with the Texans
Troy Fautanu, OT: questionable (Knee)
The most concerning injury news from the game with the Texans was that Troy Fautanu injured his knee. As of Saturday, there has not been a clear diagnosis of the seriousness of the injury. Do not expect a further update until perhaps Monday or Tuesday. However, if one were to gauge the injury based on the early media reports, the first guess is that it’s not overly serious.
From what the media has reported, it appears at its worst; the injury could impact his chances of winning the starting role tackle, but it does not seem bad enough to impact playing time in the regular season. However, as we have seen with other injuries after doctors evaluate the injury, it’s possible that the projected prognosis could change. So it’s one to keep an eye on for further developments.
Keeanu Benton, DT: questionable (eye)
Of the two injuries, this one appears less serious, and we should expect a full recovery from Benton this week. At this point, what we do know is that he did end up wearing some protective eyewear, but that’s all we know for now. As a precaution, the Steelers could hold him out of the next preseason game, but even then, they could put a visor on his helmet’s face mask to prevent further injury aggravation.
For all we know at this juncture, it does not seem serious. So, do not expect the injury to impact Benton’s season as it continues. Benton will definitely be ready for the start of the season.
Activations from injury
On a more positive note, following the game against the Texans, we got word from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Ray Fittipaldo that the Steelers activated Cordarrelle Patterson from the non-football injury list just prior to the Steelers’ kickoff against the Texans. We should expect to see him back, if not for the next preseason game, certainly for the final one against the Lions.
Keep in mind that while Patterson has suggested the Steelers could use him in several different roles in 2024, do not expect his usage to extend beyond the special teams. It is possible, though, that we could perhaps see him as a running back in the late third or fourth quarters of any of the remaining preseason games.
The Steelers’ next game is August 17th against the Bills. Hopefully, we will get to see some playing time from Russell Wilson and perhaps some time from any of the other veterans who did not play against the Texans. Most importantly, we hope the Steelers remain relatively injury-free.
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