Gather together: The Steelers secondary is hit after the Jets game, with strong safety Terrell Edmunds in concussion protocol, free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick struggling with a knee injury and cornerback Cameron Sutton hampered by injuries to the groin and hamstrings. Additionally, cornerback Levi Wallace was added to the injury report on Wednesday with a foot injury. All that on top of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon who likely missed his second game in a row with a hamstring injury.
It’s not an ideal situation to say the least to have four starters in the secondary on injury report, but it’s a situation the defense is handling with the right mentality.
“You hate to see injuries, first and foremost,” safety Tre Norwood said. “Having guys banged up. Everyone in the room is stepping up, making sure we hold our end of the bargain. Starting with training. Getting those quality reps and being ready at all times.”
Norwood said one of the most important things this week is to approach every day the same, not to switch things up, but to stay focused like they’ve been doing all season.
“My preparation doesn’t change,” Norwood said. “I’m always ready. It will be the same this week, studying film, in the boardroom, on the training ground and getting ready for the game.
“I just make sure I do the necessary things, week after week, my film study, make sure I come here in the building every day. I’m in the meeting room after practice, I prepare preparing to go out there and contribute to our defense, our team, on Sunday. Whatever is asked of me, I want to make sure I do my best.
The secondary’s only advantage is depth, with a versatile Norwood, Arthur Maulet, Miles Killebrew and James Pierre set to do their part.
“It helps a lot, especially to have the versatility there,” Norwood said. “Having a room full of guys who can play in multiple positions helps a lot in times like this. You hate injuries, but having that depth and versatility helps in times like this.”
And they’re going to need it against Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and all their offensive firepower.
“We know Buffalo is a high-powered offense,” Norwood said. “They have guys in every position on the offensive side. We have to make sure we do our part on the defensive side to minimize those guys and capitalize on plays when they’re there.”
