The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, but they may have lost a big piece of their defense for an extended period of time.
Early in the first quarter, defensive end Stephon Tuitt left the game with what was reported as an “arm” injury. He didn’t return to the game, and afterwards, Mike Tomlin stated the injury was to his biceps, and would need to be further evaluated.
Now, reports are swirling of the Steelers fearing the worse — a torn biceps tendon which would end Tuitt’s season shortly after it started.
Steelers DE Stephon Tuitt signed $61M deal Saturday. Today team fears he tore his biceps. Monday is MRI. If torn, his season would be over.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2017
Tuitt, who just signed a 6-year $61 million dollar deal, would leave massive shoes to fill, as did Cameron Heyward when he was lost for the 2016 season with a torn pectoral muscle.
With that said, the Steelers are more equipped to handle the loss of a defensive end after the addition of Tyson Alualu, and the maturation of L.T. Walton. Both can step in and fill the role, but are a far cry from the talent level of Tuitt, but before fans mourn the loss of Tuitt for the year, it would be wise to wait until official word comes regarding the results of the MRI, which was scheduled to be taken either Sunday or Monday.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this injury news, and other news surrounding the Steelers.