Steelers' McCarthy seen entering medical tent during Buccaneers game

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steelers HC Mike McCarthy seen entering medical tent during Buccaneers game

By Paul White | Last updated Oct 18, 2026 3:31 PM ET

It was an honor for Mike McCarthy to be named the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team he grew up rooting for as a native of the city. The Steelers ended the Mike Tomlin era earlier this year after 19 years with him at the helm.

They never suffered a single losing season under Tomlin, so McCarthy knew he had a lot of expectations to live up to. He’s done a solid job so far, rejuvenating an offense that showed little life last season.

Pittsburgh faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, and a key story from the game didn't have to do with the play on the field.

Mike McCarthy received medical attention for unknown injury against Buccaneers

McCarthy was shown entering the blue medical tent at the end of the first half with a noticeable limp.

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy had to go to the blue medical tent instead of the locker room at halftime pic.twitter.com/h1uAjYPiAT
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) October 18, 2026

McCarthy never went back to the locker room with the team, but he eventually exited the tent and returned to coaching in the third quarter. Although he ended up being okay, it was an unusual scene in Tampa Bay, as coaches hardly have to receive medical attention.

Now that McCarthy seems to be recovered from whatever was ailing him, he will turn his attention to putting his team ahead on the scoreboard. He reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers this season, and the familiar partnership had been working up to this point.

The four-time MVP is performing much better this season compared to last year but struggled early against the Buccaneers.

Paul White

Paul White is a contract writer from Philadelphia who attended Penn State University. He has contributed hundreds of stories about the NFL and NBA over the years and now brings that experience over to Yardbarker. He is a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan looking to bring the same passion from his city to sports media.

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