The Steelers have placed defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day on injured reserve. Pro Football Talk and Yahoo Sports both reported that he won't play Sunday against the Saints in Paris. Behind the Steel Curtain said the team announced the move Thursday.
The injury is a triceps problem. NFL Trade Rumors said Joseph-Day first showed up on the injury report Wednesday. Behind the Steel Curtain and Deadspin both said he did not practice that day. Behind the Steel Curtain added that, by rule, he will miss the team's next four games. None of the outlets we have gave a timeline beyond that minimum, and none said how or when he was hurt.
NFL Trade Rumors listed Joseph-Day as 31 and a former sixth-round pick of the Rams in 2018. It said he finished his rookie deal there before signing a three-year, $24 million contract (the summary cuts off after "$24"). Outlets differ on his position. Deadspin calls him a defensive tackle, NFL Trade Rumors a defensive end, and PFT and Behind the Steel Curtain use the broader "defensive lineman."
Joseph-Day's production was modest, but he played every week. He appeared in all six Steelers games and has 10 total tackles and no sacks. His last three games produced 2, 3 and 2 tackles. His loss matters mainly because of the group around him. Behind the Steel Curtain notes that Pittsburgh's defensive line depth "has been tested early," and that rising star Derrick Harmon was injured in Week 4. Harmon has 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks in four games, according to our data, though the Steelers' season table shows him with only three appearances. Keeanu Benton, Cameron Heyward and Yahya Black are among the other linemen on the roster, with 14, 20 and 15 tackles.
The team is in good shape despite the injuries. Pittsburgh is 4-2, third in the AFC North, and has won two straight: 34-22 over Indianapolis on Oct. 11 and 26-19 at Tampa Bay on Oct. 18. Its other recent game was a 27-24 loss at Cleveland on Oct. 1.
4-23rd in AFC NorthStreak W2
Next is Sunday's game against the Saints. New Orleans is 2-4 and third in the NFC South. It beat the Giants 34-27 last week after losing 45-24 to Atlanta and 23-13 to Minnesota. The Steelers will play without Joseph-Day, and by rule he cannot return before the fourth game after that.
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