The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealt a devastating blow midway through the season.
According to an NFL insider, one of the team’s starting players is “expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future” and could miss the remainder of the 2025 season following a significant Week 9 injury setback.
While the Steelers have not yet made an official announcement, multiple league sources confirmed the team is bracing for the worst after initial medical evaluations revealed a potentially long-term issue.
A Crushing Setback
The injury reportedly occurred during Sunday’s matchup, and early signs suggest the player could require surgery — a development that would end his season prematurely. The loss comes at a crucial time for Pittsburgh, which has been fighting to stay afloat in the competitive AFC North.
The unnamed starter has been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ lineup this year, providing leadership and consistency on a roster that’s already battled through several key injuries. Losing him now would create yet another obstacle for head coach Mike Tomlin, whose team prides itself on resilience and “next man up” mentality.
“This one hurts,” one team source told The Athletic. “He’s a tone-setter — someone who elevates everyone around him. You don’t just replace that overnight.”
Depth Tested Once Again
The Steelers will likely look to their bench and practice squad for immediate reinforcements, with several young players expected to see expanded roles. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Tomlin have both emphasized adaptability throughout the season, but this injury will test that philosophy like never before.
Pittsburgh’s defense has remained one of the league’s toughest despite inconsistent offensive support, but this news could shift that balance dramatically — especially as the team enters a brutal midseason stretch that includes matchups against Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
Looking Ahead
The Steelers are expected to provide an official update later this week, but early reports indicate the injury could indeed be season-ending. For now, the team must regroup, adjust, and find a way to keep their playoff hopes alive — even without one of their most trusted veterans on the field.
Another gut punch for a franchise built on toughness — and a reminder that in the NFL, no lead, and no roster, is ever truly safe.
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