Pittsburgh Steelers place key defensive back on COVID-19 list

The Pittsburgh Steelers have continued to adapt and work on the fly as COVID-19 surges yet again in their locker room and throughout the NFL.

On Monday, the team’s official Twitter account announced the Steelers have placed safety Karl Joseph on the Practice Squad/COVID-19 list

Joseph is a veteran defensive back the Steelers’ coaching staff has made a clear effort to keep around. Last week, he joined guard Rashaad Coward, wide receiver Anthony Miller and outside linebacker John Simon as players on the Steelers’ protected list that was turned into the NFL on Monday, meaning other teams couldn’t sign them.

Steelers continue to fight COVID-19 issues

Last week while preparing for the Kanas City Chiefs, the Pittsburgh Steelers began to face issues with COVID-19.

On Wednesday afternoon, the organization announced that starting linebacker Devin Bush has been added to the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Bush is a key starter on a defense that has been the staple of the team’s success in recent weeks. He’s played in 13 games this season, starting in all 13.

Earlier on Wednesday, the team placed offensive tackle Zach Banner and linebacker Marcus Allen on the Reserve/COVID-19 list as of Wednesday afternoon.

It’s unclear if the players from last week will be cleared in time for Sunday, but Joseph is the newest player to be affected for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers routed by Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday’s 36-10 loss to the Chiefs may have been a glimpse into the future for Mike Tomlin and company.

Pittsburgh is still mathematically alive for a trip to the postseason, but there’s no reason to sort through all the scenarios that would allow it to qualify. The Chiefs so thoroughly dominated Pittsburgh that it was hard to wonder how the Steelers had remained in contention this long. This game was about one team surging at the right time of year and another bottoming out and accepting the reality that things will have to change drastically.

It’s time for huge changes for a Pittsburgh Steelers organization that has been a staple in the AFC for so long.