Terrell Edmunds placed in concussion protocol as Cam Heyward and Bud Dupree battle knee injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a number of new injury concerns to worry about this week as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints after Mike Tomlin detailed a list of the walking wounded at his press conference on Tuesday. But while practice participation could be limited for some names on defense initially, there appears to be a degree of optimism that James Conner might be able to resume training as early as Wednesday.

“On the injury front, Cam Heyward had a hyperextended knee, he was able to go back in the game. Bud Dupree had a knee contusion that really limited his effectiveness. We’ll watch him participate during the week and let his participation be our guide, but fully expect him to be a participant this weekend. Edmunds, Terrell, is in the concussion protocol. Don’t have a lot of information there. Often times guys may show up on Monday morning with symptoms and we address it in an appropriate and professional manner.”

“Pre existing injuries, James Conner with his ankle. I saw him downstairs getting rehab just a few moments ago. Hopefully that sets the stage for a productive Wednesday and we’ll go on from there. We’ll let the amount of work that he’s able to do, and the effectiveness of that work be our guide and we’ll make those decisions at the appropriate time as we push towards gametime.”

The health of Terrell Edmunds might be the most worrying having reported to team facilities with concussion like symptoms on Monday and he will be closely watched by the medical staff this week.

Although Tomlin did not mention Ben Roethlisberger specifically in his injury roundup, he confirmed to reporters during open questions that his quarterback was showing no ill-effects from the game against the New England Patriots.

“I just talked to him right before I came in here. No worse for the wear, no negative consequences from this past week’s performance.”

Should Conner be able to play against New Orleans, Pittsburgh could yet have a full roster of names to pick from for the first time this year now that Marcus Gilbert has been added to injured reserve.