Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin offered a brief update on the return of defensive end Stephon Tuitt.
Tuitt was spotted at practice earlier this month, which sparked hope that he’s close to returning. But Tomlin’s tone today was not one of optimism. “He’s still on IR and working hard,” he told Steelers media. “How close is he to returning to play? I don’t have that answer right now.”
Tomlin has never provided the nature or extent of Tuitt’s knee injury. All we know is that he had surgery to clean up damage in September.
Chris Wormley has played well in Tuitt’s place, particularly versus the run. In 115 run snaps, Wormley contributed 13 tackles and a forced fumble. Against the pass, Wormley had his best game of the season in the Seahawks game with a sack, hurry and a batted pass. The performance earned him the third-highest grade of Steelers defenders from Pro Football Focus.
Coach Tomlin on Stephon Tuitt: He’s still on IR and working hard. How close is he to returning to play, I don’t have that answer right now.
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) October 19, 2021
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