Mike Tomlin updates Stephon Tuitt's status

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a chance to recuperate this week with a bye. The Steelers have looked much improved on the offensive side of the ball. Their running game is much improved in their last two victories. Their defense has yet to allow more than 30 points in a game this season. And they have been doing this without their star defensive lineman in Stephon Tuitt. 

Tuitt has not played a single down this year after starting the season on the Steelers Injured Reserve list. The former second-round pick out of Notre Dame rarely practiced in the preseason while nursing a knee injury. In a press conference the Steelers held this week, head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Tuitt’s status right now and after their bye week. 

“He’s still on IR,” responded Tomlin. “He’s been working hard and making progress. How close he is to returning to play? I do not have the answer to that as I stand here right now. 

Tuitt is one of two starting defensive linemen for the Steelers that is currently on IR. Nose tackle Tyson Alualu found his way to I.R. after fracturing his ankle in Pittsburgh’s Week 2 loss to Las Vegas. 

Tuitt on the dept chart

Another reporter followed up what are you doing the question of Tuitt’s status wondering whether it would be reflected on their depth chart. 

“He’s in a good position. We are in a good position. That’s just something we wanted to look at on the other side of the bye. And that was the decision that was made last week. It has no bearing and is not a reflection of the decision that we’re going to make in the upcoming weeks.” 

Tuitt is still on the Steelers depth chart as the third left end. But since he is not likely to come back, it does not matter much where he is positioned on the depth chart. And when he is ready and able to return, we should expect him to reclaim his starting position. 

For the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans, they will have to wait a little bit longer for the return of their defensive lineman. The sooner they can get him back the better. Pittsburgh is currently in last place in the AFC North with a 3-3 record