WATCH: Steelers tie game after interception, touchdown by Pat Freiermuth
The Pittsburgh Steelers came back to tie the game after a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, after an interception leading to a quick touchdown by rookie Pat Freiermuth. The Steelers tied the game after Cameron Heyward tipped a pass by quarterback Justin Herbert, sending it flying into the air before being intercepted by Cameron Sutton.
Just two plays after getting the ball back, Ben Roethlisberger found his rookie tight end on a screen pass, for Freiermuth’s fifth touchdown of the season.
The Steelers recovered after entering the fourth quarter down 27-10, with Freiermuth’s touchdown giving the Steelers 27 points in the fourth quarter alone after a field goal to take the lead with just over three minutes remaining.
Unfortunately, the Steelers would give up a huge touchdown to the Chargers late, on a 53-yard catch by Mike Williams where nobody came near him. The Steelers would lose the game despite their efforts and Pat Freiermuth’s touchdown to tie it, by a score of 41-37.
Najee Harris suffers head injury
Prior to completing their comeback, Steelers running back Najee Harris exited Sunday night’s game with a head injury. The rookie playmaker took a forearm to the facemask while falling toward the ground during the fourth quarter, drawing criticism from analysts concerned about player safety.
NBC Sports sideline reporter Michele Tafoya reported that Najee Harris went to the Steelers locker room, completing concussion protocol after the head injury.
On first-and-10 from the Steelers 36-yard line, Ben Roethlisberger checked down to Najee Harris in the flat. His legs were taken out by Chargers cornerback Tevaughn Campbell, leaving him sideways on his way to the ground. On his way down, linebacker Kyzir White dove with his arm extended into the running back’s helmet.
The Steelers turned to running backs Kalen Ballage and Benny Snell Jr. as they looked to complete the comeback against the Chargers. Harris would return late in the game however, appearing to clear concussion protocols.
On3’s James Fletcher III contributed to this article.