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The Pittsburgh Steelers played their most complete game of the preseason so far against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday afternoon and their success was not only limited to their play on the field. Escaping any contest without a major injury is always something to be celebrated and it would seem the Steelers were equally successful in this regard at Heinz Field.
Sadly, that does not mean there are no incidents to report and Mike Tomlin highlighted three names with injury concerns during his postgame press conference. With both James Washington and Marcus Tucker forced to leave the contest early, it was no surprise to hear their names mentioned in the team’s injury update, but the inclusion of tight end Jesse James was somewhat unexpected. As Tomlin told reporters.
“[Marcus] Tucker is having his ankle evaluated, Jame Washington is having his oblique evaluated, Jesse James has got a contusion to his back. Don't know the severity of any of those, we’ll give you an appropriate update when we get it.”
#LIVE: Coach Tomlin addresses the media following today’s preseason win over the Titans. https://t.co/h6PRafSCVJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 25, 2018
Given the number of high balls thrown in the direction of James that seemed to end with hits to his back, the injury could have come on any number of plays. Both Tucker and Washington had obvious moments in the game when their injury occurred, but neither incident appeared especially dramatic and it can only hoped the evaluations will return with some positive news.
Washington's jersey is now off,m appears done for the day. Ice pack being applied to his lower left abdomen. But he's standing and chatting with teammates, giving all appearances that nothing is serious. https://t.co/HHfAyAtvGC
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 25, 2018
James Washington said he injured his abdominal muscle when he turned for a ball. He does not believe it will keep him out much time at all. Described it as a precautionary measure.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) August 25, 2018
With Vance McDonald and Xavier Grimble already sidelined due to injury, a long term issue for James could be a problem and as more information becomes available, we will be sure to update you.