PITTSBURGH — Steelers starting right guard James Daniels and backup receiver and critical special teamer Miles Boykin were both in boots on Monday following the team’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
It is unclear when the injuries occurred, but they add to a long list from Sunday’s game. Defensive captain Cam Heyward could not finish the game after suffering a groin injury. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was not seen after leaving the field immediately after a third-quarter catch when he grabbed his right hamstring.
Right tackle Chuks Okorafor left the game on the final offensive drive, and the team did not have time to issue an in-game update on his status. Tomlin said he is “probably in the concussion protocol” and didn’t have much information on his status in the future.
Tomlin clarified that defensive end DeMarvin Leal is dealing with a triceps injury. It was initially listed as an elbow issue. Leal returned after the injury but did not finish the game. It could have simply been because of the lopsided score at that point.
The same can be said of tight end Pat Freiermuth, who was hurt on the final drive of the first half. He returned to the game after being announced as questionable to return with his chest injury but was not on the field for the final offensive drive.
If Daniels can not play, Nate Herbig will earn his first start with the Steelers. As for Boykin, with an injury to Johnson on top of it, Dez Fitzpatrick and Simi Fehoko would seem like possible elevations from the practice squad following Monday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh has plenty to worry about for their next game against the Browns, but none more than the injuries that racked up quickly for the team in the loss.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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