Offensive line struggling to stay intact
DeCastro, Foster, Gilbert are down but not out ... yet
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Steelers could have more problems on their offensive line in addition to All-Pro guard David DeCastro, who has been out with a fractured hand.
Coach Mike Tomlin said at his weekly news conference Tuesday that tackle Marcus Gilbert (hamstring) and guard Ramon Foster (knee) were injured in a loss Sunday to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tomlin did not say if they will be available for a game Monday night in Tampa, Fla.
“We’ll watch those guys through the week,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin said he thinks DeCastro, who did not play against the Chiefs, could play against the unbeaten Buccaneers (2-0).
“He’s got a chance,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin said he anticipates cornerback Joe Haden (hamstring), who did not play against the Chiefs, to return to practice this week. But, he added, “We’ll let the result of that work be our guide in determining his availability.”
Tomlin indicated he is not happy with the inconsistent performance of punter Jordan Berry, among others, and did not rule out the possibility they will look at other punters this week.
Tomlin called the 42-37 loss to the Chiefs a “discouraging performance,” especially after the way the Steelers fell behind, 21-0, in the first quarter. The Steelers eventually came back to tie the score at 21-21 and 28-28.
“You can’t start the game slowly,” Tomlin said. “We started slowly in all three phases. We always felt we were playing catchup.”
Tomlin said he is looking for more consistency in all three phases — offense, defense and special teams — against Tampa Bay.
“We hadn’t won a game yet … it’s popcorn,” Tomlin said. “It’s not one constant area that’s below the line. It’s usually popping up in a lot of areas.”