Rookie Gennings Dunker’s MCL injury forces a sudden roster shuffle as Pittsburgh fights to revive a stagnant ground game and protect the pocket against Cincinnati’s fierce front.
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 3 looking for its offensive line to find an identity after two weeks of struggles both in the running and passing game.
The Steelers will be without a key piece of offensive line depth for at least the next four weeks due to an injury during practice.
Per Tom Pelissero of Netflix, the Steelers placed rookie offensive guard Gennings Dunker on injured reserve due to an MCL sprain he suffered during practice when he got "rolled up on." Pittsburgh does anticipate Dunker needing surgery, though he is not expected to miss four to six weeks.
The injury to Dunker comes amid the Steelers coaching staff looking to change things up this week on the offensive line. Pittsburgh is looking to add competition up front after the running game has totaled just 149 yards in two weeks. In Week 2, Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times in a 20-3 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Steelers could turn to first-round pick Max Iheanachor to play more this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals defensive line has been a force in the regular season with defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence making his presence known in the early season.
Cincinnati limited Houston Texans running back David Montgomery to 10 yards on six carries in Week 2 in the Bengals' 20-6 win over the Texans.
The Steelers offensive line has been a key focus for first-year head coach Mike McCarthy, who suggested the staff must find out what the team does well this week. Thus far, Pittsburgh has had more questions than answers about what that side of the ball is capable of this season.
Steelers backfield has a key injury
The Steelers have some concerns about the backfield coming into their Week 3 contest. Pittsburgh ruled running back Rico Dowdle out this week due to a toe injury he suffered in the loss to the Patriots last week.
In addition to Dowdle, Jaylen Warren is battling a shoulder injury this week. He was designated as questionable to play the Bengals this week.
That could mean carries for rookie Eli Heidenreich, who has yet to record any rushing stats this season. Pittsburgh needs a spark from the backfield, and it could look to a local native to help provide a boost to the offense.
To beat the Bengals, the Steelers must find a way to get more out of their rushing attack.
