The Steelers are dealing with some COVID-19 issues this week, but they're also optimistic regarding the return of three starters to their lineup for Sunday's game against the Bengals at Heinz Field.
Mike Tomlin said Tuesday there's a good chance nickel cornerback Mike Hilton, nose tackle Tyson Alualu and fullback Derek Watt will all be available to the Steelers (8-0) when the host the Bengals (2-5-1).
"We'll monitor them this week in terms of their work and the quality of it, but we're excited about getting those guys back into the fold if we can," Tomlin said.
Hilton has missed the past three games with a shoulder injury suffered against the Browns. Despite that, he is still tied for fifth on the team in tackles (29), and fourth in tackles for a loss (5) and sacks (3).
Cameron Sutton has started in the slot in Hilton's absence and has performed well, but the Steelers miss Hilton's ability not only to defend the passing game, but his presence on run downs, as well. In the past two games, the Steelers have allowed 265 and 144 rushing yards in wins over the Ravens and Cowboys.
Alualu's presence in the middle of the defense would help there, as well. He was injured early in the first quarter against the Ravens, suffering a sprained MCL.
Moved to nose tackle to replace Javon Hargrave after he left in free agency, Alualu has recorded 19 tackles, including three for a loss, showing himself to be a solid starter after spending the previous three seasons as a backup.
With Alualu out, the Steelers have been forced to use second-year pro Isaiah Buggs in a starting role and former practice squad player Henry Mondeaux and rookie Carlos Davis as the primary backups.
"It's such a big challenge when a guy like Tyson goes down, because he's such a good player, especially stopping the run," Mondeaux said Monday. "He is a veteran and does a great job. I think me and Buggs and Carlos Davis this last game, have stepped in and helped as much as we can.
"I think we are doing our best and trying to fill some big shoes from a guy that has been playing a long time. We're going to be excited to have him back."
Watt has missed four of the past six games with a recurring hamstring issue. He practiced last week, but Tomlin held him out of the game against the Cowboys in an attempt to get him completely healthy. In four games this season, Watt has recorded four special teams tackles and a safety.
Getting the older brother of outside linebacker T.J. Watt back on the field would help a special teams unit that struggled uncharacteristically last week against the Cowboys, giving up both a long kickoff and punt return and getting a PAT blocked.
He also could help in short-yardage situations. The Steelers were stopped three times in those situations against the Cowboys, including twice on fourth down.
"He took a step back as we got closer to game time in terms of availability," said Tomlin of Watt. "But there are no excuses in terms of our short-yardage failures. We own that."
