Mike Tomlin 'optimistic' extra day helps injury-riddled Steelers

When it rains, it pours. That's certainly how the Steelers felt leaving Acrisure Stadium following their 30-7 loss to the 49ers in Week 1. But there is still hope in the Steel City.

Pittsburgh left the game with several injuries to key players, including DT Cameron Heyward, who is expected to miss up to eight weeks with a groin injury, and WR Diontae Johnson, who is expected to miss up to four weeks with a hamstring injury.

Outside of Heyward and Johnson, the Steelers also saw injuries to right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (concussion), tight end Pat Freiermuth (chest), guard James Daniels (leg) and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi (foot).

However, head coach Mike Tomlin says he is "optimistic" since Pittsburgh has an extra day before hosting the Browns on "Monday Night Football." All will be limited to begin the week but could work their way back into the lineup by the start of Week 2.

If the Steelers don't have Okorafor, Freiermuth, Daniels and Ogunjobi, they'll be in some trouble. All are key starters and Pittsburgh will certainly feel their absences if inactive come Monday night.

If Okorafor is out, it is likely that left tackle Dan Moore Jr. will slide to the right side and rookie Broderick Jones will replace Moore Jr. at left tackle.

If Freiermuth is out, rookie TE Darnell Washington and second-year TE Connor Heyward will see increased playing time.

If Daniels is out, Nate Herbig, who signed a two-year, $8M deal with the Steelers this offseason, will fill in.

If Ogunjobi is out, defensive linemen DeMarvin Leal, Keeanu Benton and Isaiahh Loudermilk will help fill his absence.

It's not a scenario Pittsburgh hopes plays out with the 1-0 Browns coming to town after they knocked off the defending AFC North champion Bengals a week ago.