The Pittsburgh Steelers will need to continue to have a ‘next man up’ mentality, regarding Troy Fauntanu’s knee injury, if they want to stay competitive in AFC number one seed race. Broderick Jones filled in nicely for Fautanu, and it now looks like he will have to do so the entirety of the regular season. Fautanu suffered a dislocated kneecap at Steelers practice last Friday, and he was initially reported as OUT indefinitely.
Pittsburgh had recently made a move to alleviate some of this pain by signing offensive tackle Calvin Anderson. However, it has now been reported by Ian Rapoport that Fautanu could return for the Steelers, but only in the postseason.
Sources: #Steelers impressive rookie RT Troy Fautanu, who was placed on IR this week, suffered what is essentially a dislocated kneecap and will have surgery to repair the ligament damage.
Fautanu is out for the regular season, tho could return if PIT makes the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/scilIo6Eqk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024
Similar to Alex Highsmith’s groin injury, the Steelers will need to place safety, health, and longevity at the forefront of their concerns for Fautanu. Broderick Jones will look to hold down the fort at the right tackle position, helping his team reach the playoffs, in which Fautanu’s redemption story will be waiting.
