The first injury report of the season could be a light one for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Coach Mike Tomlin indicated the Steelers could have a healthy roster on Sunday when they open the season against the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium.
“We did have couple guys somewhat limited (Monday),” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “That was a prudent approach considering we’re still in a bonus-day phase. I feel good about player availability as we stand here today.”
The first injury report will be released Wednesday after practice. One anticipated starter who didn’t suit up for the preseason was defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who has been bothered by a foot/ankle injury. Ogunjobi was limited in practice last year after he joined the Steelers in free agency. He was recovering from foot surgery when he arrived last summer.
Tomlin doesn’t see a repeat scenario unfolding for Ogunjobi.
“I’m not ready to acknowledge that,” Tomlin said. “I’m really focused on what we need to do this week and the allocation of reps this week. I’m not ready to paint with a broad brush.”
Tomlin also isn’t ready to envision a role for cornerback Desmond King, who was signed last week after being released by the Houston Texans. King can play outside corner or in the slot.
“We’re in the infancy of planning for this week,” Tomlin said. “There are a lot of layers to that discussion.”
The Steelers open at home for the first time since 2014.
The visitors have some question marks entering Week 1, as star defensive end Nick Bosa — last season’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year — is in the midst of a contract holdout, and Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle is dealing with a groin injury.
Tomlin expects Bosa to play.
Here’s a look at what else Tomlin had to say:
