Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle, Tyson Alualu suffered a devastating, season-ending injury in 2021. As a result, the run defense suffered mightily. Heading into the season, his return to the lineup was expected to help return the team’s defensive line back to form.
Well, just a few weeks into the season, and things have not gone as planned. Alualu has struggled immensely in his return from the Achilles injury, which is understandable at 35 years old. The Cleveland Browns gashed the Steelers defense for 171 rushing yards in Week 3, which has been a main reason for the past two losses. The New England Patriots were also able to pound the ball down the Steelers’ throat, which led to the defense failing to get off the field in a timely fashion.
Now, the team’s official depth chart has Alualu listed as the second-string interior lineman. Montravius Adams will replace him moving forward as the team’s starting nose tackle. This could be temporary while Alualu tries to continue to get his feet underneath him, but the veteran simply looks done. Adams was signed in 2021 and has done well when given the chance.
In the three games this season, Pro Football Focus has Alualu with a 40.9 grade. That’s not what you want, but it seems pretty accurate. The 13-year veteran has constantly gotten no push, as opposing offensive linemen have taken him out of the picture. In the passing game, he hasn’t provided much of anything either, as he has just one quarterback hit.
Alualu has been mostly rotated in and out in the first three games, as he’s played 43% (104 total) of the team’s defensive snaps. On the contrary, Adams has seen the field just 13% (31 total) of the time the black and gold has been on defense. Alualu will likely still get some snaps every game and if he continues his struggles in limited snaps, Isaiahh Loudermilk may end up getting a helmet in future games. Loudermilk has yet to dress in any of the team’s three contests so far in 2022.
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