Seat getting hot for special teams coach Danny Smith? Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin cited the kickoff game for the second time in three days as a primary reason the Steelers came out on the losing end against the Ravens. “Field Position in first half set the stage,” said Tomlin. “I thought their kickoff team was significant with Tucker. Hanging the ball. We had difficulty because of his talents. We worked on a long field a lot. Tomlin downplayed the injury to Mason Rudolph being a reason the Steelers came up short. Tomlin cited “five pre-snap penalties on offense and defense” being right up there with the field position game as a key area that hurt the Steelers with Tomlin calling the pre-snap penalties “below the line.”
INJURY BUZZ
*”Mason Rudolph in concussion protocol. In building yesterday. Doing fine with communicating,” said Tomlin. There was no speculation from Tomlin that Rudolph will have a chance to start or dress vs the Chargers.”We have a great deal of confidence in our medical experts.”
*James Washington “still being evaluated with a shoulder,” said Tomlin. Tomlin called Washington questionable for now, along with Mark Barron who has a hamstring injury. Steven Nelson has a groin injury that will be monitored.
*A significant injury that popped up after the game is with Jaylen Samuels. “Had knee scoped, knee sprain, he’s roughly going to be out a month,” said Tomlin.