Steelers right tackle Troy Fautanu sidelined indefinitely with knee injury

Alex Parker

u/alex

Steelers right tackle Troy Fautanu sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury.

Why it matters: Fautanu's injury further depletes an already struggling offensive line and raises concerns about the team's ability to protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

What's new: Fautanu suffered a knee injury during Friday's practice and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity. The team has officially ruled him out for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Yes, but: The Steelers had initially planned to rotate tackles, including Fautanu and Broderick Jones. However, Jones' performance in previous games led coach Mike Tomlin to rely heavily on Fautanu.

What to watch: With Fautanu out, Broderick Jones will have the opportunity to start at right tackle. This will be a crucial test for Jones and a chance for him to prove himself as a reliable option on the offensive line.

What's next: The Steelers will closely monitor Fautanu's recovery and assess the timeline for his return. In the meantime, they will need to make adjustments to address the void left by his absence.

The bottom line: Fautanu's injury adds to the growing list of injuries on the Steelers' offensive line, which already includes center Nate Herbig and guard Isaac Seumalo. The team will need to find solutions quickly to ensure the protection of their veteran quarterback.