RK The Steelers have made a shocking last-minute move — ruling out two key starters ahead of their crucial Week 8 matchup vs. the Packers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been hit with a late setback heading into their Week 8 showdown against the Green Bay Packers, as two key starters have been ruled out
just days before kickoff.
Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that center Zach Frazier and defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk will both miss Sunday’s game due to injuries. The announcement came as a surprise, particularly in Frazier’s case, as he was added to the injury report midweek with a
calf issue after being a full participant in previous sessions.
Frazier, a rookie standout anchoring Pittsburgh’s offensive line, was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a sleeve wrapped around his left leg. While Tomlin initially downplayed the concern, the team ultimately decided to sideline him for precautionary reasons.
Ryan McCollum is expected to start in his place.
Meanwhile, Loudermilk continues to recover from a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 2 against Seattle. The team had hoped for a return after the bye, but medical evaluations this week confirmed he’ll remain on
injured reserve for at least one more game.
The Steelers’ injury woes don’t stop there. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) returned to practice and remains questionable, while linebacker Malik Harrison
and quarterback Will Howard both had their 21-day practice windows opened after returning from IR.
On the long-term list, Miles Killebrew (knee) and Max Scharping (ACL) have been ruled out for the season, thinning Pittsburgh’s depth on both lines of scrimmage.
Despite the growing list, Tomlin expressed confidence in his roster depth:
“We’ve faced worse and always found a way to respond. This group knows how to adjust and compete — that’s what Steelers football is about.”
The Steelers (4–3) will host the Green Bay Packers (3–4) at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET, with Pittsburgh aiming to stay alive in the AFC North race — but they’ll have to do it without two of their most reliable starters in the trenches.
