Category: Keeanu Benton

Steelers DL Keeanu Benton exits matchup vs. Texans early with injury

Steelers DL Keeanu Benton exited Texans game with apparent eye injury.

Second-year defensive lineman Keeanu Benton made an early from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first game of the preseason against the Houston Texans.

Shaken up, Benton pulled himself out of the first play of a second-quarter drive. Per TribLive’s Joe Rutter reported, Benton appeared to have gotten poked in the eye.

It’s likely we’ve seen the last of Pittsburgh’s starting nose tackle for week 1 of the preseason.

As usual, Mike Tomlin expects Benton to make that second-year leap in 2024. “Big things. He can grow in all areas. He’s a talented young guy with tremendous upside and room for growth in all areas.”

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Steelers name rookie Keeanu Benton starter at nose tackle

The Steelers have officially named NT Keeanu Benton starter over Montravius Adams.

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers updated its official depth chart and made one key adjustment. Rookie nose tackle Keeanu Benton has been officially listed as the starter ahead of Montravius Adams.

Benton has developed quickly while Adams has been dealing with an injury and more than earned the right to get the bulk of the snaps. Benton has been a real bright spot on defense in a season where there hasn’t been a whole lot to be excited about. He’s far more than just a big run-stuffing nose tackle and provides a nice pass rush up the middle with his burst.

Benton currently has a 74.9 grade with Pro Football Focus which puts him consistently among the Top 10 rookies in the NFL.

This week the Steelers travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts clinging to the slimmest of playoff hopes.

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