/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60606187/usa_today_10377846.0.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Steelers feared the worst, but hoped for the best, when they saw starting guard Ramon Foster go down with a knee injury during Saturday’s training camp practice. It was reported Foster’s injury was not a season-ending injury, and further reports show this to be the truth.
According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network, Foster hyperextended his knee after reportedly being rolled up on by Stephon Tuitt, but did not suffer any ligament damage.
Huge sigh of relief from #Steelers camp. LG Ramon Foster hyperextended his knee, but did not suffer any ligament damage and will NOT need surgery. Should be out 4-5 weeks.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) July 29, 2018
Remember: no Steeler has logged more snaps since 2009 than him.
A 4-5 week diagnosis, while putting his return right around the start of the regular season, is certainly better than the alternative. It should be worth noting it is also reported Foster has some bone bruising in his knee.
#Steelers LG Ramon Foster also has some bone bruising. But his (and the team’s) goal is still that he returns in time for Game 1.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) July 29, 2018
While bone bruises don’t sound serious, they can be extremely painful, and delay the process for a player trying to get back on the field.
In the meantime, B.J. Finney will take over the starting left guard duties, and Finney has filled in well for Foster in the past whenever he was out of the roster due to injury.
These statistics per Pro Football Focus (PFF):
Foster has been a steady component in the #Steelers OL, grading above 77.0 in 6 of the last 7 years.
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) July 28, 2018
B.J. Finney, his likely replacement if time is missed, has seen 189 regular season pass blocking snaps in the last 2 seasons and has allowed only 5 hurries, 0 hits and 0 sacks. https://t.co/XgMwGPS3D4
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes on this situation as the team presses on throughout their training camp schedule.