It has been a rough first half of the 2017 season for Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt. After injuring his biceps two plays into the first game of the season against the Cleveland Browns, Tuitt would return to dominance, only to have a back injury keep him out of the lineup last week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
While there was hope Tuitt would rejoin the team in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, it is looking as if the team is going to allow him to rest this week, as well as the Week 9 bye week, and hopefully return healthy following the week off.
This per Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider:
Not having good luck reporting injuries. Stephon Tuitt just told me they’ve decided he won’t play this weekend.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) October 26, 2017
Tuitt is likely not the only player who will receive this treatment heading into Week 8. Marcus Gilbert, who has been nursing a hamstring injury since Week 3, also could be given the day off in hopes of having him return in Week 10 healthy and ready for the stretch run in the second half of the season. Vance McDonald, who bruised his knee vs. the Bengals, could also be given the week off to help him rest and recuperate.
It isn’t as if the Steelers are overlooking the Lions by siding with caution regarding these injuries, rather, the team is looking at the long-term goals, and hopes the backups can prove worthy of victory on Sunday at Ford Field.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news on injuries and other headlines surrounding the black-and-gold.