Steelers Defensive Starter Suffers New Injury

PITTSBURGH — Steelers starting defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi did not practice with a shoulder injury on Thursday. He was not 0n the injury report on Wednesday, making this a new injury previously unknown. Ogunjobi was one of three new injuries to pop up, along with Diontae Johnson, who did not practice with a hamstring injury, and Joey Porter Jr., who was limited with a calf injury.

Ogunjobi has played in every game this season but was hampered for much of the first half with a foot injury he suffered during training camp. However, he said following the team’s win over the Ravens that he finally felt healthy and was ready to fully dive into playing football at a high level for the team. Though it could be precautionary, this shoulder injury throws a wrench in those plans. T.J. Watt missed practice last Thursday with a heel injury but ended up playing on Sunday against the Rams.

If Ogunjobi can not play, that would pave the way for more snaps for Keeanu Benton and DeMarvin Leal. Armon Watts and Isaiahh Loudermilk would likely benefit from that as well. Captain and starting defensive end Cam Heyward returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday. He seems to be getting closer to returning to the Steelers after missing most of the season with a core muscle injury he suffered against the 49ers.