PITTSBURGH — While the status of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger remains in limbo, and theoretically could be up in the air until Sunday due to the nature of the NFL's COVID-19 protocols, we now know who definitely won't be on the field at SoFi Stadium against the Chargers.
Star outside linebacker T.J. Watt (hip/knee), cornerback Joe Haden (foot) and left guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) all were ruled out by the team Friday. None of the three practiced at all this week. Rookie defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk is also out with a groin injury.
Watt and Haden both will miss their second game of the season, while Dotson likely will be replaced by backup guard/center J.C. Hassenauer. With Watt sidelined, the pass-rusher situation should be fairly cut and dried. Taco Charlton figures to start at left outside linebacker opposite Alex Highsmith, with Derrek Tuszka as the No. 3. And practice squad edge rusher Jacob Tuioti-Mariner could be called up to the game-day roster for an extra body.
But the secondary is more in flux with the absence of Haden and, barring a drastic change, free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. James Pierre will start at outside cornerback, that's simple enough. But when the team uses its nickel defense, Tre Norwood won't be an option in the slot, because he'll be manning Fitzpatrick's safety spot. If they don't want to rely on veteran slot cornerback Arthur Maulet, who was a liability in coverage two weeks ago, they could bump Sutton inside and play little-used outside corner Ahkello Witherspoon for the first time since Week 2.
Plus, the Steelers might want to call up a safety from the practice squad, potentially former first-round pick Karl Joseph. It's a bit of a mess on the back end, but the Steelers could have both Haden and Fitzpatrick back next week for the Bengals.
The better news is that wide receiver Chase Claypool and right guard Trai Turner do not carry an injury designation after practicing in full Friday. Claypool missed last week's game and Turner left early, but both were at least limited participants the past two days.
