Steelers Injury Recap: Pittsburgh Suffers Bumps And Bruises Against Atlanta

The Pittsburgh Steelers exited their regular-season opener relatively unscathed. Unlike Mike Tomlin, Mike McCarthy didn’t offer a rundown of the team’s health following the 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. But the team seemed to suffer only minor in-game injuries.

Cornerback Jamel Dean and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu briefly left the game but quickly returned.

Dean had his right foot trapped on a pass play in the first half and was briefly taken to the medical tent. Local reporters noted Dean had his right ankle taped, but he soon returned to the field and finished the game. He played well, especially against the run, as Pittsburgh contained star RB Bijan Robinson. Rookie cornerback Daylen Everette, not veteran Brandin Echols, replaced Dean for the reps he missed.

Fautanu’s injury was unknown, but trainers attended to him in the second half. He soon came back to the game. In the one snap he missed, Dylan Cook shifted from right to left tackle while first-round rookie Max Iheanachor made his NFL debut. It turned out to be brief.

Pittsburgh entered the game healthy. The only player on the 53-man roster inactive due to injury was CB Joey Porter Jr., as he rehabs the back injury many believe is contract-related. McCarthy told Rob King the team set a “plan” for Porter for next week.

Strong safety DeShon Elliott remains on injured reserve after being placed there during August’s roster cutdowns. He won’t be eligible to return until Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts.

McCarthy will speak to the media Monday, but he may not offer an injury update. Pittsburgh will issue its first injury report for its Week 2 game against the New England Patriots on Wednesday afternoon.

The Steelers and Patriots kick off next Sunday at 1 PM/EST.