Troy Fautanu injury update: Steelers OL to undergo surgery, timeline for return revealed

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu will have surgery to repair a dislocated kneecap, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. He will be out for the remainder of the regular season but could potentially return if the Steelers make the playoffs.

Pittsburgh placed Fautanu on injured reserve Saturday after he suffered the injury in Friday’s practice.

Fautanu was the No. 20 overall pick out of Washington in the 2024 NFL Draft. He made his first career start last week against the Broncos in a 13-6 win.

Broderick Jones made the start this week against the Chargers as Pittsburgh claimed another victory to improve to 3-0. The former No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 class, he started Week 1 and will likely continue to start in place of Fautanu for the remainder of the regular season.

The Steelers offensive line has given up an average of two sacks per game this season to rank tied for 11th in the NFL. They’ve also paved the way for 130.7 rushing yards per game, which is good for 12th.

Troy Fautanu is the second Pittsburgh offensive lineman to suffer a season-ending injury this year. Center Nate Herbig suffered a torn rotator cuff in the preseason. Guard Isaac Seumalo has also missed the first three weeks due to a pectoral injury and is unlikely to play in Week 4.

In spite of all the injuries, the Steelers are one of just five teams who are still undefeated on the young season. They’ll aim to keep it that way when they face the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Steelers pass rusher Alex Highsmith suffers groin injury vs. Chargers

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered a groin injury in Sunday’s Week 3 home contest against the Los Angeles Chargers and did not return to the game.

Highsmith, 27, sustained the injury in the second quarter. He was examined in the blue medical tent on the sideline and showed some frustration when he came out. Highsmith has dealt with groin injuries in each of the last three seasons.

He’s continued to be an effective compliment to Watt, compiling 30.5 sacks, including a career-high 14.5 in 2022. Highsmith entered Sunday’s game with 10 tackles (five solo), two tackles for loss and one sack this season.

On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report.