Mike Tomlin updates the status of multiple key defensive starters

Mike Tomlin took the podium for his weekly press conference on Tuesday and gave Pittsburgh Steelers’ fans some positive news coming off the heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.

“Mike Tomlin says he anticipates S Minkah Fitzpatrick (covid), LB TJ Watt (knee), CB Joe Haden (foot) and DL Isaiah Loudermilk all to return to the Steelers this week vs the Bengals,” NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala tweeted on Tuesday.

Despite a valiant comeback effort in the fourth quarter on Sunday night, the absence of Watt, Fitzpatrick, Loudermilk and Haden proved to be the difference in the outcome of the game.

“We couldn’t get enough stops defensively,” Tomlin said after the loss. “We couldn’t apply pressure with our four-man rush or keep them in the pocket. We weren’t good enough in coverage with less than seven.”

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert hurt the defense in multiple ways, completing 30 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns, but it was his rushing ability that really hurt with nine carries for 90 yards, leading all rushers for both teams.

Mike Tomlin praised the players who filled in for the injured starters, but says the coaching staff can’t make excuses. The Steelers’ coach says they have to go back to the drawing board as they prepare for a key divisional matchup vs. the Bengals.

“We’ve got to get back to the drawing board and do a better job of putting them in position to be successful with the people that we have at our disposal,” Tomlin said after the Chargers’ game.

“And that was challenging tonight, but we make no excuses. It needs to be better. That’s how we win the circumstances and get out of these circumstances. Just really appreciate of the efforts of all the people involved.”

The return of Watt, Haden, Fitzpatrick and Loudermilk can’t be overstated as the Pittsburgh Steelers try to right the ship on Sunday.