NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- As the game went deeper and the score got tighter, by no coincidence, players began getting banged up.
But all told, once the Steelers had held off the Titans, 27-24, Sunday at Nissan Stadium, it didn't appear they had any significant injuries. At least none that'd keep someone out of their AFC North showdown next weekend in Baltimore.
"I don't have a lot of information regarding the health of the group," was as much as Mike Tomlin shared minutes after Stephen Gostkowski's missed field goal. "I'm sure there's bumps and bruises associated with the play."
The most visible and ominous incident came late in the fourth quarter, when Diontae Johnson's critical third-down conversion also left him on the ground for two-plus minutes while having his ankle checked:
He walked off under his own power, then, in maybe the most telling sign, was among the players assigned to speak with reporters, which is seldom the case for a player who's significantly hurt.
"Yeah, I'm good," Johnson replied when asked about that sequence and his health. "It was just a little ankle bruise or whatnot, but nothing going to keep me out of the game. I'm doing fine. I'll be ready next week."
Otherwise, Chris Wormley's hamstring tightened and Robert Spillane's left shoulder took a hard hit on back-to-back plays in the fourth quarter. But Spillane, too, was among those assigned to speak with reporters, and he downplayed his collision with Tennessee's all-universe running back, Derrick Henry:
"Yeah, they're on the 1-yard line," Spillane recalled of that play. "They got a 250-pound running back. There's no going slow into the hole. So I took all my force with me and T.J. Watt was there to help, as well, and we were able to bring him down."
Tennessee lost two players -- defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney and cornerback Kristian Fulton -- in the third quarter to knee injuries, although Clowney returned later in the quarter.
The Steelers' injury list already included Mike Hilton (shoulder) and Derek Watt (hamstring), both of whom had been ruled out Friday, as well as Devin Bush and Zach Banner, both done for the season following knee injuries. The other inactives Sunday were healthy: Quarterback Josh Dobbs, defensive linemen Isaiah Buggs and Carlos Davis, offensive lineman Derwin Gray and tight end Zach Gentry.
Buggs was inactive for the first time, replaced by Henry Mondeaux, who'd been promoted from the practice squad Friday. This marked his NFL debut after going undrafted in 2018. He threw a key block on a Benny Snell touchdown, but also committed two penalties.
Buggs didn't seem to appreciate being left out. After our Dale Lolley tweeted out that Buggs' omission was a bit of a surprise, Buggs replied, "Surprise to me, too." He later deleted the tweet.
Bush's place at starting inside linebacker was taken by Spillane, and Hilton's place at starting slot corner was taken by Cam Sutton.
The Titans' inactives were cornerback Adoree' Jackson (knee), linebackers Derick Roberson and David Long, offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson, center Daniel Munyer, defensive back Josh Kalu and defensive end Matt Dickerson. They also were without starting left tackle Taylor Lewan, done for the season following knee surgery. Lewan's place was taken by Ty Sambrailo.