The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their bye in Week 9 and they are not just preparing for the Washington Commanders in Week 10, but also preparing to get several key players back in the lineup after missing time due to injury. Tuesday Mike Tomlin met with media and outlined the team’s injury situation after their week off, and it was a good report for the black-and-gold.

While Tomlin didn’t speak much on individual players in his opening remarks, he did say those players who have been out for an extended period of time could be on the “cusp of it” as it pertains to returning to practice. As always, Tomlin reiterated the fact how these players handle their return to practice will dictate if they might be available this Sunday in Washington.

Some of the players mentioned specifically were:

• Zach Frazier (ankle)
• Nick Herbig (hamstring)
• Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle)

Tomlin said Tyler Matakevich (hamstring), who already has his 21-day window opened to return to the lineup, should be close to returning, and he also mentioned cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring) potentially coming off Injured Reserve (IR) and potentially being able to return to work this week. It should be noted Trice’s 21-day window has not been started yet, so that would be the first step for him before he can be considered an option for the team moving forward.

The Steelers head coach also added how cornerback Cam Sutton (suspension) is now available to the team, and this produces another option for the team in the defensive backfield. Tomlin was asked about how he sees Sutton’s role playing out, and he said it is all about versatility. Sutton can play any number of positions, and Tomlin said anyone in the secondary should be “put on notice” with Sutton’s return.

Many are wondering how the team will divide practice repetitions heading into the Week 10 game, and Tomlin said it is a welcome problem to have for this team after enduring a series of injuries throughout the first eight games of the regular season.

The only other player mentioned by Tomlin was Justin Fields, who suffered a minor hamstring injury on the last practice prior to the Week 8 game vs. the Giants, and Tomlin said they held Fields out of that game so a minor injury didn’t become a major one. Fields will practice this week, and barring a set back should be good-to-go in his usual QB2 role this Sunday.

If the Steelers can get a portion of these players back in the lineup Sunday it would be a huge boost for both sides of the football. Getting the anchor, Frazier, back at center, depth and versatility with Patterson, rounding out the outside linebacker room with Herbig’s return, and quality depth in Sutton and Trice could be a big boost as the defense prepares for some big-time offenses down the stretch run.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Commanders in Week 10 on Sunday at 1pm EST.