Organized Team Activities (OTAs) have been rough on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only have participating players had to answer questions about the absence of absent players like Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, but there have been injuries.
Last week, the team saw two players leave practice for different reasons. Jale McGee left with a torn Achilles tendon and Jerald Hawkins left with a torn quadriceps.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the team is planning to place Hawkins on injured reserve.
Steelers OT Jerald Hawkins underwent surgery for his torn quad, is set to go on IR, per source. Tough deal for former fourth-round pick who showed up to offseason work in good shape and ready to carve out role.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 1, 2018
The team was hoping Hawkins would fill the role previously occupied by Chris Hubbard, but instead Hawkins finds his way onto IR for the second time in three seasons.
The question now becomes whether Hawkins might be able to return at some point during the season, but it’s highly unlikely.
The job of swing-tackle now falls to either Matt Feuler or rookie Chukwuma Okorafor. It’ll certainly be an interesting training camp battle to watch, as the already-thin depth at offensive tackle has now become razor thin.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Black-and-gold as they complete OTAs and gear up for training camp.