Despite Mike Tomlin’s comments, Joe Haden not expecting to play Sunday night vs. the Titans

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their first road trip of the 2019 preseason, and their third game of their slate of exhibition games. The third preseason game is viewed as the “final dress rehearsal” for players, and the Steelers are looking to get as many starters on the field as possible.

During Mike Tomlin’s Friday press conference he said he would “leave the light on” for any player dealing with an injury. But one player who would fall in the injured, and isn’t expecting to play, is veteran cornerback Joe Haden.

This from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Joe Rutter:

While fans want nothing more than to see their starting defense available against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, holding Haden out of the game, and likely the entire preseason, will only ensure he is fully healthy when the games start counting in Week 1 when the Steelers travel to play the New England Patriots in Foxboro.

Haden isn’t the only player dealing with an injury who is hoping to get on the field Sunday night. Diontae Johnson has an undisclosed injury, Zach Gentry returned to practice after missing Week 2 and Sutton Smith is ready to make his NFL debut Sunday night in prime time.

These are just some of the injuries throughout the Steelers’ roster, but the majority of the starters will be suiting up Sunday. This includes players like Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro who have yet to play this preseason.

Mike Tomlin answered these questions, and more, in his weekly press conference. You can see Mike Tomlin’s complete press conference in the video below: