The Steelers defense was dealt a major blow early in their Week 8 matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens when tackle Tyson Alualu exited the game midway through the first quarter. Luckily, the knee injury was not serious as the run defense suffered in his absence.
After allowing only 280 total rush yards in four consecutive games, the Steelers defense surrendered 409 yards in Weeks 8 and 9.
- Games with Tyson Alualu (Weeks 1-7)
- 413 total rush yards allowed
- Games without Tyson Alualu (Weeks 8, 9)
- 409 total rush yards allowed
Alualu was limited in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and was a full participant on Friday. He is without a designation heading into Sunday’s game, so expect that he’ll be active.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin feels good about the progress his tackle made this week. “I think that Tyson [Alualu] is in a better place. His participation was a full one today,” said Tomlin in a press conference on Friday. “I have very little reservations regarding his abilities or availability, so he is a go.”
Alualu’s availability is just the injection the run defense needs to turn things around. The unit slipped three spots from first to fourth versus the run while he was out.
