In order to keep pace with the other three teams in the AFC North this season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to improve their record to 4-2 when they travel to take on the Los Angeles Rams this weekend.
Getting a win just got a little bit harder for the Steelers, however, as they’ll now have to take on the Rams without the help of tight end Pat Freiermuth.
According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero on Friday, Freiermuth injured his hamstring during Pittsburgh’s practice on Thursday, and he will now be out of action for this week’s game and “likely longer” due to the injury.
#Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the #Rams and likely will be sidelined longer after aggravating his hamstring in practice Thursday, per sources.
Freiermuth had an MRI this morning, and now his return to action is on hold. pic.twitter.com/C4bHuOfMIV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 20, 2023
Freiermuth’s absence will most likely be felt when the Steelers find themselves in the red zone this weekend.
Heading into Week 7, Pittsburgh has only scored two touchdowns in the red zone this season, and both of them were passes to the tight end, who is longer available for Sunday’s game.
The Steelers already had the NFL’s worst-ranked red zone offense heading into this week, but with Freiermuth now unavailable, moving the ball inside their opponent’s 20-yard line is going to be even harder.
Pittsburgh has been a difficult team to evaluate this season.
At 3-2, the Steelers are currently tied for second place in the AFC North, however, they have an abysmal point differential this year of -31.
Pittsburgh is 1-1 on the road this season, with their lone loss coming against an upstart Houston Texans team back in Week 4.
Will the Steelers improve their record to 4-2 this weekend, or will the absence of Freiermuth result in the Rams getting the best of them?
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