It's every team's dream to come away from the preseason unscathed by injuries. Unfortunately, the Steelers were not able to accomplish this goal. Prior to their final exhibition game against the Lions, Pittsburgh had already lost center Nate Herbig for the season and they were dealing with injuries that have kept rookies Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson out of action.
Sadly, more injuries mounted in the Steelers' final preseason game in Detroit.
In the closing minutes of the game, sixth-round rookie draft choice Ryan Watts went down with a scary injury but miraculously was able to walk off under his own power. Mike Tomlin spoke to the media directly after the game and labeled this as a 'stinger', though he is still being evaluated. Tomlin also mentioned that edge rusher Julius Welschof left the game with a knee injury.
Among the three injured players mentioned in Tomlin's post-game presser was Cory Trice Jr. The Steelers head coach noted that Trice left the game with what is being described as a groin injury.
This is an unfortunate setback for a player who was having an outstanding preseason. In his first two exhibition contests, Trice played 47 defensive snaps and allowed just two receptions for four yards while earning a tackle for a loss and a run stuff.
Before exiting the preseason finale against the Lions, Trice earned another impressive tackle for a loss. The lone time he was targeted in this game, Trice nearly broke up a screen pass and he brought down his receiver for a one-yard gain.
Trice, who missed his entire rookie season with an ACL injury, has an extensive injury he was looking to put behind him. Unfortunately, a groin injury is the latest setback for an extremely talented cornerback. At 6'3'' and 206 pounds, Trice possesses an outstanding blend of physical traits and a feel for the game.
Trice was running away with the third cornerback job in Pittsburgh behind Joey Porter Jr. and veteran Donte Jackson. While this still might be the case, he could be sidelined once again early in his Steelers career.
At this point, we don't know the extent of Trice's groin injury, but we are hoping that it's nothing serious. Last year, we saw veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward land on IR with a groin injury in Week 1 and he didn't make his return to the field until Week 9.
As a seventh-round pick in 2023, opportunities are already hard to come by for Trice -- who was on the fast track to a role in 2024. Outside of spectacular second-year edge rusher, Nick Herbig, Trice was one of the biggest standout performers for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the preseason.
Let's hope he can make a quick recovery and get back on the football field soon.
