Mike Tomlin says the Steelers “stunk” on Sunday against the 49ers, but there will be no knee jerk reactions to the embarrassing loss. Instead he is focused on Monday night’s coming showdown with the Cleveland Browns.
Tomlin says the Steelers should be embarrassed by their performance on Sunday, but there’s work to do to get ready for an AFC North game against their bitter rivals.
One of the biggest concerns Tomlin will have to deal with is star running back Nick Chubb, who led the Browns to an upset win over the Bengals in week one.
The coach is confident that the Steelers, and particularly quarterback Kenny Pickett, will bounce back. He says it’s a matter of “football justice” rewarding dedicated effort.
The Steelers will be without All-Pro defensive lineman Cam Heyward and wide receiver Diontae Johnson on Monday. Heyward has a groin injury and may be a candidate for the injured reserve list. Johnson has a hamstring injury.
The team yesterday signed wide receiver Jacob Copeland to the practice squad and released running back Greg Bell and cornerback Luq Barcoo. Copeland has been with the Titans and Vikings and played his college ball at Florida and Maryland.
Among the players who could be limited by injuries when the Steelers return to practice today are defensive linemen Larry Ogunjobi and DeMarvin Leal, tight end Pat Freiermuth, tackle Chuks Okorafor, and guard James Daniels.
